UGANDA ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY LIMITED

Environmental Impact Assessment for proposed Isimba 132 kV Power

Transmission Line.

Prepared for:

Prepared by:

AWE Environmental Engineers (EIA Partnership of AIR WATER EARTH-AWE)

1st Floor, Plot 668 Entebbe Road P.O. Box 22428, Kampala, UGANDA

Tel: 041-4268466 Email: mail@awe-engineers.com Web: www.awe-engineers.com

Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL)

Plot 10 Hannington Road, P. O. Box 7625, Kampala, Uganda

Tel: 041-4233433/4 Fax: 0 41-4341789 Email: transco@uetcl.com;

www.uetcl.com

On behalf of:

KAGGA & PARTNERS LTD Consulting Engineers 2 Bandali Close Bugolobi P. O. Box 6583, Kampala Uganda T: +256 414 220279 / 256 414 223692 E: mail@kaggapartners.com W: www.kaggapartners.com

FITCHNER GmbH & Co. KG Sarweystrasse 3

70191 Stuttgart, Germany T: +49 (0)711 89 95 - 0

E: info@fichtner.de W: www. fichtner.de

NORPLAN Nedre Skøyen vei 2 0276 Oslo, Norway T: +47 21 58 50 00

E: norplan@norplan.com

November 2012

UGANDA ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY LIMITED

Environmental Impact Assessment for Proposed

Isimba 132 kV Power Transmission Line.

Line route location:

Districts traversed: Line length:

Kayunga, Buikwe

Total line length: 42 km

Cover photograph: Proposed Isimba dam location (Nampanyi Village) on left bank of Victoria Nile in Kayunga District. This will also be the starting point of a 42 km 132 kV transmission line that will traverse districts of Kayunga and Buikwe from proposed Isimba dam to Bujagali power station.

Document Control

Client: Ministry of Energy & Mineral Development

Project No: EIA/4012

Project Name: Feasibility Study for Isimba Hydro Power Project and Associated Transmission Line

Report Title: Environmental Impact Assessment for proposed Isimba 132 kV Power Transmission Line.

Date: Nov 2011 Report. No.: 2012/126/memd

Revision Description Originator Reviewed Signed off: VO, RK, JK, FM TP, OD, IK LK Preparation of this report has been undertaken within agreed terms of reference using all reasonable skill and care. The consultant accepts no responsibility or legal liability arising from unauthorized use by third parties of data or professional opinions herein contained.

Distribution

Official

Confidential Public

Consultants Lead consultants:

Eng. Lammeck KAJUBI; PE. BScEng (1.1 Hons), MEngSc(Env)(UQ-Australia), MUIPE, MASAE (USA). Registered Professional Environmental Engineer (PE)- UGANDA Registered EIA Practitioner Environmental Engineer & Team Leader. ……………………… ……………………… Herbert Mpagi KALIBBALA, PhD. BScEng (Civ)(Mak), MScEng (Env) (Mak), PhD, GMUIPE Registered EIA Practitioner Civil/Infrastructure Engineer. ……………………… ……………………… Pamela TASHOBYA KWOLEKWA BA (MAK), MSc (Dev Mgt.) Registered EIA Practitioner Socio-develpoment Specialsit ……………………… ……………………… Faith MUGERWA BA (MAK), MA (Soc) Registered EIA Practitioner Sociologist ……………………… ……………………… Isa KABENGE, PhD. Registered EIA Practitioner Water Resources Engineer/ GIS specialist ……………………… ……………………… Contributing consultants: Dr. Robert KITYO, PhD. Ecologist - Fauna Dr. James KALEMA, PhD. Ecologist - Flora

I

Contents LIST OF TABLES ..................................................................................................................................................................... iii LIST OF BOXES ....................................................................................................................................................................... iii LIST OF FIGURES ................................................................................................................................................................... iii ACRONYMS, MEASURES AND DEFINITIONS ...................................................................................................................... iv

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .......................................................................................................................................................... vi 1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 OVERVIEW OF UGANDA’S POWER SECTOR .................................................................................................... 1 1.2 PROJECT BACKGROUND .................................................................................................................................... 2 1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE EIA ....................................................................................................................................... 3 1.4 PROJECT JUSTIFICATION ................................................................................................................................... 3

2 Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework .............................................................................................................. 5

2.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................................. 5 2.2 POLICY FRAMEWORK .......................................................................................................................................... 5

2.2.1 The National Environment Management Policy, 1994 .................................................................................. 5 2.2.2 The Energy Policy, 2001 ............................................................................................................................... 5 2.2.3 National Development Plan, 2010 ................................................................................................................ 6 2.2.4 Wetlands Policy, 1995 .................................................................................................................................. 6 2.2.5 Uganda’s Vision 2040 ................................................................................................................................... 6 2.2.6 National Gender Policy (1997) ...................................................................................................................... 7 2.2.7 The Forestry Policy, 1999 ............................................................................................................................. 7 2.2.8 HIV/AIDS Policy ............................................................................................................................................ 7 2.2.9 Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Policy .............................................................................................. 7 2.2.10 Renewable Energy Policy, 2007 ................................................................................................................... 8 2.2.11 Master Plan Study on Hydropower Development in Uganda, 2010 .............................................................. 8

2.3 LEGAL FRAMEWORK ........................................................................................................................................... 8 2.3.1 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995 .............................................................................................. 8 2.3.2 National Environment Act, Cap 153 .............................................................................................................. 9 2.3.3 Land Act, Cap 227 ...................................................................................................................................... 10 2.3.4 Electricity Act, Cap 145 ............................................................................................................................... 10 2.3.5 Town and Country Planning Act, Cap 246 .................................................................................................. 11 2.3.6 Public Health Act, Cap 281 ......................................................................................................................... 11 2.3.7 Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2006 ................................................................................................. 11 2.3.8 National Environment (Wetlands, River Banks and Lakeshores management) Regulations, 2000 ........... 11 2.3.9 National Environment (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations, 2003 .................................................. 11 2.3.10 National Environment (Minimum Standards for Management of Soil Quality) Regulations, 2001 .............. 12 2.3.11 Water Act, Cap 152 ..................................................................................................................................... 12 2.3.12 National Environment (Waste Management) Regulations, 1999. ............................................................... 12 2.3.13 The Mining Act, Cap. 148 ........................................................................................................................... 12 2.3.14 Workers’ Compensation Act (2000) ............................................................................................................ 12 2.3.15 Local Governments Act, Cap 243 ............................................................................................................... 13 2.3.16 Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 1998 ............................................................................... 13 2.3.17 National Forestry and Tree Planting Act, 2003 ........................................................................................... 13 2.3.18 Petroleum Supply Act, 2003 ....................................................................................................................... 13 2.3.19 International Agreements ............................................................................................................................ 13 2.3.20 World Bank Policies and Guidelines ........................................................................................................... 14

2.4 INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK .......................................................................................................................... 15 2.4.1 National Environmental Management Authority, NEMA ............................................................................. 15 2.4.2 Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, MEMD ................................................................................ 15 2.4.3 Electricity Regulatory Authority, ERA .......................................................................................................... 15 2.4.4 Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited .................................................................................... 15 2.4.5 Electricity Regulatory Authority ................................................................................................................... 16 2.4.6 Local Government Administration Structures ............................................................................................. 16 2.4.7 The Ministry of Gender, Labour & Social Development, MGLSD ............................................................... 16 2.4.8 National Forestry Authority, NFA ................................................................................................................ 16

II

3 Project Description ...................................................................................................................................................... 17

3.1 Dam Location, hence Origin of the Line ............................................................................................................... 17 3.2 Technical description of the 42 km 132 kV transmission line ............................................................................... 19 3.3 Substations ........................................................................................................................................................... 19

3.3.1 New Isimba Substation ......................................................................................................................................... 19 3.3.2 Extension of 132 kV outdoor switchyard Bujagali ................................................................................................. 20

3.4 Tentative Construction Program ....................................................................... Fehler! Textmarke nicht definiert. 3.5 Project Cost ...................................................................................................... Fehler! Textmarke nicht definiert.

4 Baseline Conditions ..................................................................................................................................................... 21

4.1 DISTRICT PROFILES .......................................................................................................................................... 21 4.1.1 Kayunga District .......................................................................................................................................... 21 4.1.2 Buikwe District ............................................................................................................................................ 21

4.2 CLIMATE .............................................................................................................................................................. 21 4.3 WATER RESOURCES ALONG THE LINE ROUTE............................................................................................. 22 4.4 BASELINE NOISE AND AIR QUALITY ................................................................................................................ 23 4.5 FAUNA AND FLORA ............................................................................................................................................ 24

4.5.1 Flora and species richness ......................................................................................................................... 27 4.5.2 Flora species of conservation concern ....................................................................................................... 28 4.5.3 Fauna .......................................................................................................................................................... 29

4.6 GENERAL OBSERVATIONS ALONG THE POWER LINE ROUTE .................................................................... 31

5 EIA Methodology .......................................................................................................................................................... 37

5.1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................. 37 5.2 BASIS OF THE ASSESSMENT ........................................................................................................................... 37 5.3 IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE ..................................................................................................................................... 37 5.4 MITIGATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS .................................................................................................. 37 5.5 CONSULTATION AND DISCLOSURE ................................................................................................................ 37 5.6 APPROACH FOR STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION ........................................................................................ 38 5.7 SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES ........................................................................................................................................ 38

6 Results of Stakeholder Consultation ......................................................................................................................... 40

7 Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures ............................................................................................................... 41

7.1 FAUNA AND FLORA IMPACTS ........................................................................................................................... 41 7.2 WATER QUALITY AND QUANTITY IMPACTS.................................................................................................... 42 7.3 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL AMENITY IMPACTS................................................................................................ 43 7.4 NOISE AND AIR QUALITY IMPACTS.................................................................................................................. 44 7.5 SOIL QUALITY IMPACTS .................................................................................................................................... 45 7.6 CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS ............................................................................................................................. 45

8 Decommissioning Impacts .......................................................................................................................................... 47

8.1 TRANSMISSION LINE REMOVAL ....................................................................................................................... 47 8.2 FOUNDATION REMOVAL ................................................................................................................................... 47 8.3 PUBLIC AND OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY ............................................................................................................ 48 8.4 FIRE AND OIL SPILL PREVENTION ................................................................................................................... 48

9 Analysis of Alternatives............................................................................................................................................... 49

9.1 LINE ROUTE ALTERNATIVES AND REASONS FOR DISREGARDING THEM ................................................ 49 9.1.1 Line alternative A1 ...................................................................................................................................... 49 9.1.2 Line alternative A2 ...................................................................................................................................... 49 9.1.3 Line alternative B1 ...................................................................................................................................... 49 9.1.4 Line alternative B2 ...................................................................................................................................... 50

9.2 No project scenario ............................................................................................................................................... 51

10 Environmental Monitoring Plan ............................................................................................................................. 52

Annex A: RECORD OF STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION ................................................................................................. 57

Annex B: BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT ALONG LINE ROUTE ......................................................................................... 101

Annex C: MAP OF THE PROPOSED LINE ROUTE ............................................................................................................ 104

References ............................................................................................................................................................................ 105

III

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE 1. PROPOSED ISIMBA DAM IN KAYUNGA AND KAMULI DISTRICTS ........................................................................................ 17 FIGURE 2. PROPOSED LOCATION OF ISIMBA DAM DOWNSTREAM OF BUJAGALI HPP ........................................................................ 18 FIGURE 3: POTENTIAL NATURAL VEGETATION TYPES ALONG THE PROPOSED 132 KV TRANSMISSION LINE ........................................ 26 FIGURE 4: DISTRIBUTION OF PLANT SPECIES (BY THEIR LIFE FORM) ALONG PROPOSED ISIMBA TRANSMISSION LINE ROUTE ................ 28 FIGURE 5: ILLUSTRATION OF TOWER COLOR TO MITIGATE VISUAL IMPACT ....................................................................................... 44 FIGURE 6: TRANSMISSION LINE ALTERNATIVES A1, A2, B1 AND B2 (A1 IS PREFERRED) .................................................................. 49

LIST OF BOXES BOX 1: PROJECT CATEGORISATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT .......................................................................................... 2 BOX 1: FINDINGS FROM STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION ................................................................................................................. 40

LIST OF TABLES TABLE 1: COST OF THE TRANSMISSION LINE AND SUBSTATIONS ............................................... FEHLER! TEXTMARKE NICHT DEFINIERT. TABLE 2: NUMBER OF BIRD SPECIES ENCOUNTRED IN THE TWO MAIN HABITATS ALONG LINE ROUTE ................................................. 29 TABLE 3: MAMMAL SPECIES REPORTED IN DIFFERENT PLACES ALONG THE PROPOSED TRANSMISSION LINE ROUTE ........................... 30 TABLE 4: OBSERVATIONS ALONG THE PROPOSED POWER TRANSMISSION LINE ROUTE ..................................................................... 32 TABLE 5: COORDINATES AND GENERAL HABITAT CHARACTERISTICS AT THE 10 FAUNA AND FLORA SAMPLING POINTS ........................ 39 TABLE 6: KEY ATTRIBUTES OF ALTERNATIVE TRANSMISSION LINE ROUTES ...................................................................................... 50 TABLE 7: SCORES ASSIGNED TO EACH IMPACT LEVEL ................................................................................................................... 50 TABLE 8: EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVE LINE ROUTES ................................................................................................................... 50 TABLE 9: ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN ............................................................................................................................. 53

IV

ACRONYMS, MEASURES AND DEFINITIONS Acronyms:

AP: Angle point(s) CFR: Central Forest Reserve CO2: Carbon dioxide dBA: Decibel (on scale “A”: a measure of sound level as heard by a human ear) EIA: Environmental Impact Assessment EPS: Early Production Scheme (proposed by Tullow) ERA: Electricity Regulatory Authority ESMP: Environmental and Social Management Plan HFO: Heavy fuel oil HPP: Hydropower project HV: High Voltage IPP: Independent Power Producer(s) LC: Local Council MEMD: Ministry of Energy and Development NDP: National Development Plan NEMA: National Environment Management Authority NOx: Oxides of Nitrogen OHS: Occupational Health and Safety PAP: Project-affected person(s) RAP: Resettlement Action Plan REA: Rural Electrification Agency ROW: Right-of-Way (a roadway procured under a powerline by UETCL for line access) SIA: Social Impact Assessment STD: Sexually transmitted diseases UETCL: Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited WMD: Wetlands Management Department XLPE: Cross-Linked Polyethelene

Measures and units:

A: Ampere (a unit of current) g: gram Ha: Hectare (10 000 square metres) kph: kilometre per hour km: Kilometer (1 000 metres) kV: Kilovolt (1000 volt) kVA: Kilovolt-ampere (1000 volt-ampere) kWh: Kilowatt-hour (1000 watt-hour) m: Meters MVA: Mega volt-ampere (106 volt-ampere) MWh: Megawatt-hour (106 watt-hour) MW: Megawatt (106 watt)

Definitions: Angle point: A grid structure (pole or steel lattice tower/pylon) at which the powerline changes direction (horizontal orientation). Grid structures at AP are usually bigger and of greater strength to support lateral forces imposed by a change in line direction. Between APs can be located several intermediate support structures. The straighter a line is the fewer AP it would have.

V

“Clearance” is the distance that must be maintained between a powerline and an object, to avoid risk of a fatal electric shock. (Minimum recommended safe clearance from a conductor for a person working and/or anything extended towards a 132 kV powerline is 5 m). Compensation: Payment in cash or in kind at replacement value for an asset or a resource affected by the project at the time the assets need to be replaced. Conductor: A wire carrying current. Easement (also known as a Wayleave): The 30 m strip of land across the centerline of the 132 kV transmission line for which UETCL will compensate land owners or other affected people for the right to restrict the use of the land in accordance with provisions defined under the Electricity Act Part IV sections 68-72. Physical Displacement: Loss of shelter and assets resulting from land acquisition associated with the project, requiring affected persons to move to other locations. Project: Collectively, the proposed 132 kV transmission line and associated substations. Project-Affected Areas: Line route in the five districts subject to a change in use as a result of construction and operation of the project. Project-Affected Households (PAH): A PAH is a household that includes one or several project-affected persons and usually comprises of a head of household, their spouses, children and dependents. Project-Affected Person (PAP): Any person who, as a result of the implementation of the project, loses the right to own, use, or otherwise benefit from a built structure, land (residential, agricultural, quarries, pasture or undeveloped/unused land), annual or perennial crops and trees, or any other fixed or moveable asset, either in full or in part, permanently or temporarily. Affected people might be displaced either physically (“Physically Displaced People”) or economically (“Economically Displaced People”). Right of Way (RoW): a 5m portion of the easement that UETCL may procure to enable it to construct and maintain a road under the line for use in operations and maintenance.

VI

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 0.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND

Uganda Government represented by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development plans to construct Isimba hydropower project on Victoria Nile to generate 180 MW. The power station will be located at Isimba, about 40 km downstream of Bujagali hydropower station. A 42 km 132 kV power line will transmit power generated at the proposed power station to an existing substation at Bujagali power station.

Government awarded the Project “Feasibility Studies for the Development of Isimba Hydro-Power Plant and Associated Transmission Line and Substations” to a Consortium of Fichtner GmbH & Co. KG and Norplan AS (the Consultant). The feasibility study on transmission line and corresponding network analysis as well as the environmental and socio impact assessment studies and corresponding resettlement actions plans are reported in other volumes.

Third Schedule of the National Environment Act, Cap 153 (Section 10(a), (b),(c): “Electrical infrastructure including electricity transmission lines and substations.”) requires this project to undertake an EIA. This EIA focuses on only environmental impacts since social impacts were analysed and documented in a separate report (Social Impact Assessment Report, SIA).

0.2 PROJECT JUSTIFICATION The proposed 132 kV double circuit transmission is in line with Government’s continued pursuit for sufficient power supply to match present and foreseeable future national demand. To connect electricity generated at Isimba HPP to the national grid it is necessary to construct a new 132 kV double circuit powerline from a substation at Isimba dam to existing substation at Bujagali Dam. Uganda has abundant energy resources, especially hydrological and other renewable resources, yet it suffers prevalent “energy poverty”. There is an urgent need to develop the sector and improve energy supply for sustainable economic growth. An inadequate and inefficient power system arising from, inadequate transmission and distribution infrastructure currently characterize the energy sector. Sustainable development is difficult to achieve with poverty and environmental degradation associated with low supply coverage, deforestation and health impacts associated with indoor use of biomass fuel by rural poor households prevalent in the country. Therefore, Uganda Government is investing in expanding access to affordable, reliable and adequate electricity supplies to lower poverty in line with its national development plan. Consequently, development of the country’s hydropower potential and transmission lines to evacuate power to demand centers is a key undertaking of Government’s effort to develop the power sector. Hence, the proposed Isimba powerline is one of the undertakings to achieve this objective.

0.3 DESCRIPTION OF THE POWER LINE The 132 kV double circuit transmission line shall run from a substation at Bujagali HPP to a new substation at Isimba hydropower dam in order to connect power generated (at Isimba HPP) to the national grid. The line on steel lattice towers will be 42 km long and have a 30 meter wayleave with a 5 meter right of way. The transmission line shall follow existing roads in order have easy access during construction and maintenance. Due to linear settlements along the roads, the proposed powerline line shall be at a distance ranging between 50 m and 100 m from existing roads.

The following general criteria were considered in line routing:

Highly populated areas will be avoided as much as possible to minimise resettlement Crossings over other overhead lines, main roads and rivers to be optimized River Nile crossings to be located at suitable positions

VII

Access to tower locations and angle points to be provided to enable transportation of conductor drums and stringing equipment

Future access for maintenance purposes during operation Due attention to environmental aspects

In order to connect the electricity generated at Isimba HPP to the electrical grid it a new 132 kV substation will be constructed near the hydropower station.

0.4 SUMMARY OF BASELINE CONDITIONS The proposed 42 km 132 kV powerline will be built in Kayunga and Buikwe Districts traversing predominantly rural settings with sparse inhabitation. In several sections the proposed line will cross swamps, most of which have been modified by substance cultivation. In some places such as Naminya village, there lie will pass through relatively forested areas that are increasingly being cleared for cultivation.

0.5 POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 1) Fauna and flora impacts

The transmission line may pose physical hazard to birds and climbing animals especially primates. However, no areas along the line route were noted to have high densities of large birds, primates or colonies of migratory avifauna species, therefore fauna-related impacts may be marginal. To enable vehicle and crew access during tower construction and stringing, vegetation in the way-leave and right of way will be cleared. During line operation and maintenance, clearing the way-leave to avoid tall trees touching power line conductors will result in permanent loss of vegetation in areas that would otherwise have had tall trees and shrubs. Loss of tree cover will notably be in areas such as Naminya village, where the proposed power line route passes through a patch of encroached natural forest. However, no biodiversity impacts or loss of habits will result from construction and operation of the proposed power line. Mitigation measures:

The contractor will judiciously limit vegetation clearing in the line corridor to avoid excessive and unnecessary loss of trees outside the line corridor.

2) Impact on water quality and quantity

Power line construction activities are not expected to require considerable quantities of water. Therefore impact on watercourses will relate to quality and arise from contamination by construction activities and sediment deposition into surface watercourses. Sediment increase in watercourses will originate from construction activities but end upon completion of line construction. Localised alteration of watercourse hydrology will manifest at tower footings constructed in swamps and this will be long-term lasting for as long as the footings exist. Improper disposal of waste including human excreta during line construction poses a risk of surface water contamination, a negative but short-term and reversible environmental (and public health) impact. Construction of access roads to line route may cause soil erosion, sediment transport and deposition into swamps and streams. This impact will manifest during line construction. Mitigation measures:

The contractor will take due care to avoid excessive sediment migration into surface watercourses. No waste will be dumped in watercourses. Where sedimentation risk is high, sediment traps will be provided at tower and substation construction

sites.

VIII

3) Landscape and visual amenity impacts

The proposed power transmission line will be carried on visually imposing steel lattice towers. Due to their height, the towers will be visible from almost all locations near the power line, especially where the line goes over hills. However, for communities in rural areas or even trading centres, presence of the power line will be considered a sign of economic advancement and hope for a prosperous future. This outlook will turn the power line’s landscape blight into a less significant visual impact. Additionally, there are no tourism activities in all areas to be traversed by the proposed power line, which renders visual impact to be of low concern. Mitigation measures:

Other than using lattice structures of matt finish hence low-glare, no mitigation measure is practical or feasible for this line route and communities traversed.

If there is no comparable cost difference, towers facing vegetated hill slopes should be pre-painted green to blend with their background while those on hilltop or hillsides should be of grey colour to avoid visual contrast with the sky. This mitigation should only be considered if there is no comparative cost difference from the conventional galvanised lattice types.

4) Noise and air quality impacts

During power line construction, regulatory noise levels could temporarily be exceeded due to operation of project traffic and equipment.

Corona or electrical discharges into the air are sometimes produced by high voltage power lines. Corona is sometimes visible on a humid night or during rain storms and can generate noise and ozone. Eventhough negative and long-term manifesting throughout the life of the power line, anticipated noise levels and ozone concentrations will be localized impacts with no health consequence. Project construction traffic will generate noise, exhaust emissions and road dust. Road dust would affect roadside retail shops, markets and dwellings, especially in trading centres. Air emissions from construction equipment and traffic will be localised, minor and of negligible impact on ambient air quality. Mitigation measures:

Project vehicles will have a restricted speed limit of 40 kph through settlements and trading centres to minimise road dust.

Line construction workers will be provided appropriate safety gear for protection against excessive noise and dust emissions.

5) Soil quality impacts

During line construction, waste will be generated including packaging waste (paper, polyethene sheets, and wood pallets), metal scrap, wire cuttings, wooden planks, polyethene sheets, PET water bottles and waste oil from construction equipment or vehicles. Once improperly disposed of, some of this waste could contaminate soil at line construction sites. Although this impact will commonly be localised to tower footings, a power line length of 42 km potentially presents many contamination sites if due caution and pollution prevention measures are not considered. Comparatively, lesser waste quantities hence contamination is anticipated during line maintenance, which will happen only once in a while.

Mitigation measures:

Workers will be sensitised about responsible litter control and waste management practices. All waste generated at a given construction location will be collected in appropriate containers and

disposed of as required by NEMA guidelines.

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6) Climate change impacts

During line construction, vegetation will be cleared along access roads and stretches of the right of way to enable access by equipment and crews. Loss of biomass reduces skins necessary for carbon sequestration. Line maintenance during the operation phase will keep the RoW and wayleaves clear of trees taller than 2 meters. Each tree taller than 5 meters can absorb about 21 kg of carbondioxide annually. Not all stretches of the line will have tree cover but evidently loss of biomass is a negative effect in reducing carbondioxide levels in the atmosphere. Carbondioxide gas is greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming hence climate change. Biomass loss will be a negative and long-term regional and global impact (Note: exhaust emissions from construction equipment would also contribute carbondioxide emissions but this would be short-term and comparatively insignificant).

Mitigation recommendation:

The transmission line company should consider adopting a proactive approach of being involved in reforestation programs, or supporting tree-planting as a compensatory measure for forest cover lost during in development of power transmission line projects.

0.6 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN Monitoring is necessary to avoid negative effects during construction and operation of the proposed project and achieve sustained environmental compliance. Issues recommended to be monitored are:

a) Excessive stripping of vegetation along line route and at substation site during construction. b) Soil erosion and deposition of overburden in wetlands and streams along the line route. c) Responsible construction waste management. d) Contamination of watercourses e) Responsible waste management during line maintenance f) Noise and air quality impacts

0.7 CONCLUSION Overall, the project would have immense positive and long-term national socio-economic development impact. Adverse environmental impact of the project will stem more from wayleaves requirement of the transmission line, which would lead to clearing of biomass including sporadic stretches of natural forest. Most environmental impacts identified can be mitigated with recommendations proposed and this this will ensure a sustainable renewable energy transmission infrastructure.

1 | P A G E

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 OVERVIEW OF UGANDA’S POWER SECTOR

Uganda’s electricity demand has been growing by 10% every year, while supply prior to the commissioning of Bujagali has remained stagnant. Frequent power shortages and blackouts accounted for between 1 to 1.5% loss to Uganda’s GDP, thereby slowing the country’s economic development. Since the first unit became operational in February 2012, Bujagali has provided a reliable solution to Uganda’s power demands, serving as a catalyst for economic growth and replacing emergency thermal generation costs, thereby saving US$ 9.5 million per month in government subsidies. The prolonged drought experienced between 2003 and 2007 affected operations of Owen Falls Dam then the country's main source of electricity. The drop im lake level led to a substantial decrease in electricity output creating a supply deficit of up to 210 MW, leading to a 24-hour loadshedding. This supply shortage negatively impacted the gross domestic product (GDP), dropping at the rate of 1.5% per annum. In spite of the decline in generation, demand for electricity continued to grow, widening the gap with peak demand reached 380 MW. In 2006 the energy ministry prepared a plan to meet the shortfall in electricity supply. The broad objective was not only to provide adequate and reliable power supply, but to also anticipate new electricity demand. The short-term measures involved procurement of thermal generation to provide temporarily increase generation capacity. About 150 MW of additional thermal power plants were installed at Lugogo, Mutundwe and Kiira sub-stations to provide relief to the consumers. Government also procured a 50 MW heavy fuel thermal plant installed at Namanve by Jacobsen, a Norwegian power company. However, the stop-gap measures were at a cost. Power became expensive, forcing the Government to subsidise up to $9.5 m every month despite increase in end-user tariffs. Introduction of thermal power generation in the energy mix was combined with aggressive energy loss reduction strategy and an energy efficiency/ demand side management. To improve energy efficiency, 800000 energy-saving bulbs were procured at a cost of US$1.2 million and distributed freely to households which led to a saving of about 30 MW. The medium-term strategy involved the development of the 250 MW Bujagali Hydropower Project on River Nile. Construction work of this project started in May 2007, and the plant was commissioned in July 2012. Bujagali project has doubled electricity supply, reducing load-shedding and replacing the entire expensive thermal power generation units. The other medium-term has been development of small hydropower plants and ones commissioned in the recent past include:

3.5 MW Nyagak Hydropower Plant, which supplies West Nile off-grid region. 18 MW Mpanga hydropower station, 13 MW Bugoye hydropower station, 6.5 MW Ishasha mini-hydro, 5 MW Mubuku mini-hydro.

Other hydropower projects under development include Buseruka HPP (9 MW), Kikagati mini-hydro project (16 MW), Nyamwamba small hydropower project (14 MW) and Nshungyezi mini-hydropower project (35 MW). It is estimated that there are over 50 feasible small hydro sites dotted around the country, which can generate a total of 200 MW to supplement bigger project located on River Nile. Uganda Government is now focused on construction of 600 MW Karuma Hydropower project. The long-term interventions include development of 180 MW Isimba Hydropower Project, use of newly discovered oil and gas resources for thermal generation, renewable energy generation projects, use of solar photovoltaic and solar water heaters. Others are use of biogas, improved efficiency stoves to cater for rural energy requirements and production of electricity from municipal waste for sale to the grid.

2 | P A G E

Competition was introduced through licensing of independent power producers. This has attracted a number of private sector-led investments in the electricity sector raising the nation’s installed capacity to the current 800 MW. Uganda will require 2,000 Megawatts (MW) electricity by the year 2025 to run its industries and homes. To achieve this, more than US$3.5 billion will have to be invested in the energy sector. Within 20 years from now the country must generate an additional 1700 MW to meet its demand.

1.2 PROJECT BACKGROUND

Enactment of the Electricity Act, 1999 paved way for liberalisation of Uganda’s energy sector, allowing the establishment and operations of independent power producers. This Act liberalized the power sector breaking up Uganda Electricity Board that had monopoly for power generation, transmission and distribution, into three companies responsible for generation (UEGCL), transmission (UETCL) and distribution (UEDCL) of electric power in Uganda. UETCL has the responsibility of transmission of high voltage power, bulk purchase of power and bulk sale to independent power distributors. UEDCL owns the electricity supply infrastructure operating at 33 kV and below. Its assets were leased to UMEME in 2005 under a 20-year concession. UETCL owns and operates the grid connected electricity supply infrastructure operating above 33 kV. It is the only company responsible for buying power in bulk from generators and selling it to distribution companies. UEGCL owns the Kiira and Nalubaale hydropower stations. Its generation assets were leased to Eskom Uganda Limited in April 2003 under a concession agreement. Energy is one of the key sectors in Uganda’s economy ansit is a major contributor to treasury resources (taxes, VAT on electricity, levy on transmission bulk purchases of electricity, license fees and royalties) and foreign exchange earnings (power exports). Following liberalization, the power sub-sector is not only a vital driver of other sectors of the national economy, but is also a large employer for Ugandans. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development is responsible for policy formulation, implementation and monitoring of the energy sector. Uganda’s access to grid electricity is currently less than 15% with majority of the population depending on traditional biomass energy. Uganda’s per capita energy consumption of 0.3 tonnes of oil equivalent (TOE) or 12.72 GJ, is among the lowest in the World1. Over 90% of energy consumption is biomass, mostly wood and charcoal, which is not environmentally sustainable. Uganda’s Vision 2035 of “Electricity for All” shows that the country must generate at least 4500 MW of electricity to ensure access by everyone. Uganda’s Power Sector Investment Plan looked at investments scenarios required to meet such demand and various energy options available to achieve this vision. Hydropower was the most suitable power source to meet the country’s demand to the planning horizon of 2023. According to Uganda’s National Environment Act Cap 153, Section 10(a, b and c), i.e. electrical generation stations, transmission lines and substations, respectively, the proposed transmission is categorized among “Third Schedule” developments for which EIA is mandatory. Additionally, World Bank classifies proposed developments into four categories (A, B, C, and FI) depending on the type, location, sensitivity and scale of the project and nature and magnitude of its potential environmental impacts. These categories are explained below:

Box 1: Project categorisation for environmental assessment Category A: have high risk and likely to have significant adverse environmental impacts that are sensitive, diverse, or unprecedented. Category B: have modest risk and will have potential adverse environmental impacts on human populations or environmentally important areas--including wetlands, forests, grasslands, and other natural habitats but are less adverse than of Category A projects.

1 Godfrey Bahati, 2003: Geothermal energy in Uganda, country update. International Geothermal Conference, Reykjavík, Sept. 2003.

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Category C: are likely to have minimal or no adverse environmental impacts. For these, no detailed EIA is necessary.

Based on above categorization 132 kV double circuit transmission line is classified as “Category A” project and therefore subject to full social-environmental assessment.

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE EIA

The EIA aimed at assessing potential environmental impacts of developing and operating the powerline and propose mitigation recommendations. Specifically, the study aimed to:

Conduct baseline environmental and social investigations along the proposed line route to inform project impacts in such settings;

Conduct consultations with relevant stakeholders, including potentially affected persons, to obtain their views and suggestions regarding the environmental and social impacts of the proposed project;

Propose mitigation measures to address potential negative impacts; and Prepare an EIA report incorporating results of environmental analysis.

Specifically, the EIA study focussed on:

Impacts on flora and fauna; Impacts on drainage and water resources; Impacts on landscape and visual amenity; Impacts on land use and agriculture; Impacts on natural forested areas (loss and biodiversity considerations); Impact on property, settlements and community facilities; Health and safety impacts; and Induced development resulting from project implementation; Impact on noise and air quality, if any.

The environmental and social impacts of the project were predicted in relation to environmental and social receptors or people (e.g. residents of villages and settlements, and land-use, etc), and natural resources. This was accomplished by comparing baseline conditions (i.e. the situation before the project) with situations that would ensue when the project is implemented. Social impacts of the proposed transmission line were analysed and documented in a separate volume, therefore this report is limited in scope to assessment of only environmental impacts.

1.4 PROJECT JUSTIFICATION

The proposed 132 kV double circuit transmission is in line with Government’s continued pursuit for sufficient power supply to match present and foreseeable future national demand. To connect electricity generated at Isimba HPP to the national grid it is necessary to construct a new 132kV double circuit powerline from a substation at Isimba dam to existing substation at Bujagali Dam. Uganda has abundant energy resources, especially hydrological and other renewable resources, yet it suffers prevalent “energy poverty”. There is an urgent need to develop the sector and improve energy supply for sustainable economic growth. An inadequate and inefficient power system arising from, inadequate transmission and distribution infrastructure currently characterize the energy sector. Sustainable development is difficult to achieve with poverty and environmental degradation associated with low supply coverage, deforestation and health impacts associated with

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indoor use of biomass fuel by rural poor households prevalent in the country. Therefore, Uganda Government is investning in expanding access to affordable, reliable and adequate electricity supplies to lower poverty in line with its national development plan. Consequently, development of the country’s hydropower potential and transmission lines to evacuate power to demand centers is a key undertaking of Government’s effort to develop the power sector. Hence, the proposed Isimba powerline is one of the undertakings to achieve this objective.

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2 POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK

2.1 INTRODUCTION

This section provides the legislative, regulatory, and policy context in which the proposed power transmission line project should comply. National regulations are discussed along with relevant international agreements and conventions to which, Uganda is a party. Key legislations governing the conduct of EIA in Uganda are the National Environmental Act (Cap 153) and the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (1998). The National Environmental Act established the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and entrusts it with responsibility to ensure compliance with the EIA process in planning and execution of infrastructural projects. Relevant policies have also been reviewed and the relevance highlighted as in subsequent sections below.

2.2 POLICY FRAMEWORK

2.2.1 THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT POLICY, 1994 The overall goal of this policy is promotion of sustainable economic and social development mindful of the needs of future generations and EIA is one of the vital tools it considers necessary to ensure environmental quality and resource productivity on long-term basis. The policy calls for integration of environmental concerns into development policies, plans and projects at national, district and local levels. Hence, the policy requires that projects likely to have significant adverse ecological or social impacts undertake an EIA before their implementation. This is also reaffirmed in the National Environment Act (Cap 153) that makes EIA a legal requirement for “Third Schedule” projects. According to Uganda’s National Environment Act Cap 153, Section 10(a, b and c), i.e. electrical generation stations, transmission lines and substations, respectively, the proposed transmission is categorized among “Third Schedule” hence necessitating this EIA study. 2.2.2 THE ENERGY POLICY, 2001 The policy goal is to meet energy needs of Uganda’s population for social and economic development in an environmentally sustainable manner. The policy recognizes linkages between the energy sector and other sectors such as economy, environment, water resources, agriculture, forestry, industry, health, transport, education, decentralization and land use. Hence at the sectoral level, the policy strengthens provisions of the National Environment Management Policy, 1994 that emphasises need for environmental impact assessment. This policy recognises the energy sector as potentially having more significant environmental impacts than most other economic sectors. Since energy development and environmental damage are related, the policy recognises need to mitigate both physical and social environmental impacts of energy projects. Objective (5) of the policy aims at managing energy-related environmental impacts and it states that the Government will ensure that environmental considerations are given priority by energy suppliers and users to protect the environment and monitor compliance with environmental protection guidelines. To meet these objectives, Government is required to:

Promote the use of alternative sources of energy and technologies that are environmentally friendly. Sensitise energy suppliers and users about environmental issues associated with energy. Work towards the establishment and acceptance of broad targets for the reduction of energy-related emissions

that are harmful to the environment and energy users. Promote efficient utilisation of energy resources.

In pursuit of those objectives, Uganda government will construct Isimba HPP and associated transmission line, to increase the proportion of renewable energy in the nation’s mix. By undertaking this EIA, Government commits to ensuring that environmental issues are given priority consideration during project development.

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2.2.3 NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN, 2010 In February 2010, Government of Uganda finalized a new five-year National Development Plan (NDP) spanning FY2011-2015 and this took from achievements of the Poverty Eradication Action Plan (PEAP) that was being implemented up to 2008. The NDP’s main theme is “Growth, Employment and Socio-Economic Transformation for Prosperity,” marking a broadening of the country’s development strategy from poverty reduction to structural transformation with the aim to raise growth and living standards. The NDP is the first in a series of six plans intended to transform Uganda over 30 years into a modern and prosperous nation. Based on economic forecasts, GDP growth rate over the National Development Plan (NDP) period is projected at an average of 7.2% per annum. At this GDP growth rate, nominal per capita income is projected to increase from US$ 506 in 2008/09 to about US$ 850 by 2014/15. During the same period, the proportion of people living below the poverty line is expected to decline from the level of 31 % in 2005/06 to about 24.5% in 2014/2015, above the MDG target of 28%. The NDP also addresses structural bottlenecks in the economy in order to accelerate socio-economic transformation for prosperity and key among these is low access to grid electricity which government plans to reduce by increasing expansion of the national transmission grid. Indeed by increasing power available to Ugandans hence economic development, the proposed Isimba powerline will contribute to fruition of NDP. 2.2.4 WETLANDS POLICY, 1995 The national policy on conservation and management of wetlands aims at curtailing loss of these resoruces and ensuring that their benefits are equitably distributed to all people of Uganda. The wetlands policy calls for:

Sustainable use to ensure that benefits of wetlands are maintained for the foreseeable future; Environmentally sound management of wetlands to ensure that other aspects of the environment are not

adversely affected; Equitable distribution of wetland benefits; Application of environmental impact assessment procedures on all activities to be carried out in a wetland to

ensure that wetland development is well planned and managed. In order to operationalize the policy and to provide a legal framework for its implementation, wetland related issues have been adequately incorporated into the National Environmental Act, Cap 153. To minimise population centres and associated resettlement cost, the proposed transmission line route is aligned along fringes of stretches of swamps any of which are seasonal and have been modified by farming activities. 2.2.5 UGANDA’S VISION 2040 In ‘Vision 2040’ Ugandan sets goals to achieve by the year 2040 ranging from political, economic, social, energy, and environment. With respect to environmental goals, Ugandans aspired to have sustainable social-economic development that ensures environmental quality and preservation of the ecosystem. Vision 2040 recognises energy as a key driver of the economic development and notes that for Uganda to shift from a peasantry to an industrialized and urban society, it must be propelled by electricity as a form of modern energy. It estimates that Uganda will require 41,738 MW of electricity by year 2040 thus increasing its electricity consumption per capita to 3,668 kWh. Furthermore the access to the national grid must significantly increase to 80%. To this end, Uganda will fully exploit its hydropower potential by developing large and small Hydropower plants including Isimba, Ayago North, Ayago South, Karuma, Kalagala, and Murchison Bay besides other renewables such as wind, solar and bio-gas. To reduce the energy deficit, in the long-term Government will invest in development of nuclear power from uranium deposits in the country. Vision 2040 notes that to improve access and availability of electricity to the rural and urban areas, especially to economic zones and other productive areas, new transmission lines to evacuate power will be built and rural electrification programmes accelerated. Therefore proposed Isimba transmission line is in line with aspirations of Vision 2040.

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2.2.6 NATIONAL GENDER POLICY (1997) The overall goal of this policy is to mainstream gender concerns in the national development process in order to improve the social, legal/civic, political, economic and cultural conditions of the people of Uganda, particularly women. Thus, in the context of the power sector, this policy aims to redress imbalances which arise from existing gender inequalities and promotes participation of both women and men in all stages of energy project cycle, equal access to, and control over significant economic resources and benefits.

This policy would especially apply to recruitment of power line construction labor where women should have equal opportunity as men for available jobs. This policy also requires provision of a work environment that is conducive to women as well as for men in addition to gender-disaggregated impacts and vulnerabilities. 2.2.7 THE FORESTRY POLICY, 1999 The forest policy puts an emphasis on the ecological and socio-economic importance of protecting the country’s forest resources. Implementation of the Policy is a responsibility of the National Forestry Authority (NFA), which also provides guidelines for management of forest reserves, community forests and private forests. The Forest Policy entails provisions for safeguard and conservation of forests so as to ensure sufficient supplies of forest products, protect water resources, soils, fauna and flora. The policy also mandates government with responsibility to control unsustainable forest exploitation practices.

This policy is important in light of the fact that the transmission line will affect about 0.76 km2 (0.08%) of Mabira Management Area which measures a total 1000 square kilometers.

2.2.8 HIV/AIDS POLICY In Uganda current effort to combat HIV/AIDS is characterized by a policy of openness by Government and this has, to a large extent, been emulated by civil society, political and social institutions, and workplaces. HIV/AIDS is recognized by Ministry of Health as a considerable risk in construction of infrastructure projects and it (together with the ministry responsible for labor) encourages employers to develop in-house HIV/AIDS policies, provide awareness and prevention measures to workers and avoid discriminating against workers or living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. To ensure HIV/AIDS is addressed in the workplace, the policy encourages employee awareness and education on HIV/AIDS. To protect the infected and affected persons from discrimination, employers are required to keep personal medical records confidential. Employees living with, or affected by, HIV infection and AIDS, and those who have any related concerns, are encouraged to contact any confidant within the organization to discuss their concerns and obtain information. It anticipated that during line construction, there may be an influx of people into the project area possibly resulting into sexual fraternisation and a risk of HIV/AIDS spread. These requirements are expected to be fulfilled by the power line construction contractors or their subcontractors. 2.2.9 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY (OHS) POLICY This policy seeks to:

Provide and maintain a healthy working environment Institutionalize OHS in the power-sector policies, programs and plans Contribute towards safeguarding the physical environment

The OHS Policy Statement is guided by the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and other global, national and sectoral regulations and policies. The Statement also takes into recognition of the Energy Policy and the Health Sector Strategic Plan, all of which aim to improve the quality of life for all Ugandans in their living and working environment. This policy will be especially relevant for OHS of power line construction crews and subsequently, maintenance personnel. This also will have relevance in mitigation measures that protect the public from health and safety impacts as a result of project construction and subsequent operation and maintenance activities.

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2.2.10 RENEWABLE ENERGY POLICY, 2007 The overall objective of the Renewable Energy Policy is to diversify energy supply sources and technologies in Uganda. In particular, the policy goal is to increase the use of renewable energy from 4% (in 2007) to 61% of the total energy consumption by 2017 and the largest proportion of this will evidently be contributed by hydropower stations. Additionally, in January 2011, announced one of the most sophisticated, Feed-in Tariff Program in Africa. A feed-in tariff is a policy mechanism designed to accelerate investment in renewable energy technologies by offering long-term contracts to renewable energy producers based on the cost of generation of each technology. The national feed-in tariffs aimed to offer cost-based compensation to renewable energy producers, providing price certainty and long-term contracts that help finance renewable energy investments. The Uganda program specifies capacity caps for each renewable energy technology by year and this provides clear policy guidance on how much the country wants of which renewable technology. By evacuating renewable energy to be generated at the 180 MW Isimba hydropower station, the transmission line conforms to the broad objectives of this policy. 2.2.11 MASTER PLAN STUDY ON HYDROPOWER DEVELOPMENT IN UGANDA, 2010 The “Hydro Power Master Plan” from December 2010 presented an integrated hydropower development of Victoria Nile River. Based on the estimated daily load pattern with peak demand in the evening hours and no significant variations on weekly and monthly basis, daily peaking power production is allocated to the power plants on the upper reach of Victoria Nile (up to Kyoga Lake). This was mainly due to the natural regulating effect of the Kyoga Lake for the peaking operation discharges from the upstream projects. On the other hand base load is recommended for the projects downstream of Kyoga Lake that mainly have much larger installed capacities. Isimba HPP therefore can utilise water released from Bujagali hydro power station and provide for partial balancing of the daily peak load based on its own limitations in reservoir elevation and size. The study included prioritization of potential hydropower sites based on consideration of technical, environmental, economic and financial aspects for the development in the period of 15 years as well as the optimal scale, basic layout and the framework of development. The study also aimed at implementation of necessary power supply plan that would support economic growth in the Republic of Uganda as well as the East African region. Development of Isimba HPP and associated transmission line are in line with this Master Plan.

2.3 LEGAL FRAMEWORK

2.3.1 CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA, 1995 The 1995 Constitution restored all private land tenure regimes (which had previously been abolished under the Land Reform Decree, 1975). It divested the state and the Uganda Land Commission of radical title to land that was expropriated in 1975, and vested it directly in the citizens of Uganda. The constitution provides for, inter alia:

The right of every Ugandan to a clean and healthy environment (Article 39); The responsibility of government to enact laws that protect and preserve the environment from degradation

and to hold in trust for the people of Uganda such natural assets as lakes, rivers, wetlands, game reserves and national parks [Article 237(2)];

The right of every Ugandan to fair and adequate compensation in instances of land acquisition.

The Constitution provides that every person has a right to own property and that no person shall be compulsorily deprived of property or any interest in or right over property without prompt payment of fair and adequate compensation, prior to the taking of possession or acquisition of the property. On land tenure regimes and transfer of land, the Constitution prescribes tenure regimes in accordance with rights and interests held in land. Article 237 of the Constitution, 1995, vests land in the citizens of Uganda and identifies four land tenure systems, namely: customary, freehold, mailo and leasehold. Understanding these systems (detailed in section

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4 of the Land Act, 1998) is vital for compensation of households to be affected by the project. These tenure systems are outlined below:

1) Customary tenure In this tenure, land is owned in perpetuity and tenure is governed by rules generally accepted as binding and authoritative by the class of persons to which it applies (that is, “customary regime is not governed by written law”). Customary occupants are occupant of former public land, and occupy the land by virtue of their customary rights; they have proprietary interest in the land and are entitled to certificates of customary ownership. Certificates for customary ownership are issued by the District Land Board, through application to the Parish Land Committee. 2) Freehold tenure This tenure derives its legality from the Constitution. It involves the holding of land in perpetuity or for a period less than fixed by a condition and enables the holder to exercise, subject to the law, full powers of ownership. 3) Leasehold tenure Lease tenure is created either by contract or by operation of the law. It is a form of tenure under which the landlord or lessor grants the tenant or lessee exclusive possession of the land, usually for a defined period and in return for a rental fee. The tenant has security of tenure and a proprietary interest in the land. The Constitution and the Land Act also protect “rights of spouses and children” with regard to land transactions. The head of household must acquire the consent of spouse and children prior to any sale of land on which the family ordinarily resides. 4) Mailo land tenure The Mailo land tenure system is a feudal ownership introduced in Buganda by the British in 1900 under the Buganda Agreement. “Mailo” is a Luganda word for “mile” as the original grants under the agreement were measured in square miles. Prior to the 1975 Land Reform Decree, Mailo land was owned in perpetuity by individuals and by the Kabaka (hereditary King). Since no section of the proposed line traverses Buganda region, this type of tenure does not apply to the project.

Detail of land take and compensation were addressed in the line project resettlement action plan (RAP) and social impact assessment report (SIA). 2.3.2 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT ACT, CAP 153 The specific legislation that deals with environmental impact assessments (EIA) in Uganda is the National Environment Act (NEA), Cap 153. NEMA was created under NEA and mandated with the responsibility to oversee, coordinate and supervise environmental management activities in Uganda. Third Schedule of the National Environment Act, Cap 153 (Section 10(a), (b),(c): “Electrical infrastructure including electricity transmission lines and substations.”) requires this project to undertake an EIA. The Act provides for various strategies and tools for environment management, which also include EIA (Section 19) for projects likely to have significant impacts on the environment. NEMA sets multimedia environmental standards (Sections 24-32) to prevent contamination of air, water and soil resources. Section 35 entrusts NEMA, lead agencies and the district environment committee with powers to protect quality of watercourses, permanent or seasonal from human activities that could adversely affect them. Section 56 prohibits discharge of hazardous substances like chemicals, oil, etc into the environment except in accordance with guidelines prescribed by NEMA. NEMA will also be responsible for approval of the project EIA and prescribing compliance conditions during project implementation. All the foregoing sections of the Act are relevant for preservation of the natural environmental on the line route both during construction and operation of the project.

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2.3.3 LAND ACT, CAP 227 The Land Act is an essential legal tool for the proposed project in so far as there are squatters who lay claim to land that is legally supposed to be owned by the project. Largely, the Act addresses four issues namely, holding, control, management and dispute resolution. As regards tenure, the Act repeats in Section 3, provisions of Article 237 of the Constitution which vests all land in the citizens of Uganda, to be held under customary, freehold, mailo and leasehold tenure systems. It then defines the incidence of each tenure regime (section 4); provides mechanisms of acquisition of certificates of customary ownership (sections 5-9); the conversion of customary tenure to freehold (sections 10-15), or collective management of land held under customary law (sections 16-27); the protection of the rights of women, children and persons with disability (sections 28); the conversion of leasehold into freehold (section 29) and the security of tenure for ‘tenants by occupancy’ (sections 30-39). Provisions regarding land administration (referred to in the Act as “management”) are adequately detailed. The Act creates a series of land administration institutions consisting of Parish Land Committees, District Land Boards and Uganda Land Commission (ULC). Each of these entities is largely autonomous of one another and is entrusted with functions that range from the holding of lands not subject to private ownership, management of land thus held, processing applications for various grants and certificates, registration and transfer of interest in land (sections 47-74). The Land Act provides for a decentralized system to resolve land disputes in Uganda (sections 75-90) through establishment of Land Tribunals at all levels of local government and that they should first arbitrate land disputes before resorting to legal courts of law. No other organ, except informal traditional authority mediators (section 89) will henceforth have jurisdiction over land disputes (section 98). Thus the Act favours local landowners by advancing a process that is localized and free from costs or formalities associated with formal judicial courts. The Act provides procedures to follow during the acquisition of land for public interest and provides for the “prompt payment of fair and adequate compensation” prior to taking possession of land. 2.3.4 ELECTRICITY ACT, CAP 145 Enactment of the Electricity Act, 1999 paved way for liberalisation of Uganda’s energy sector, allowing the establishment and operations of independent power producers. This Act liberalized the power sector breaking up Uganda Electricity Board that had monopoly for power generation, transmission and distribution, into three companies responsible for generation (UEGCL), transmission (UETCL) and distribution (UEDCL) of electric power in Uganda. The Act also authorised licensing of independent power producers (IPP), to generate, distribute and sell power. UETCL has the responsibility of transmission of high voltage power, bulk purchase from IPP and bulk sale to independent power distributors. Section 68 of the Act provides guidelines for the placement of electricity supply lines on land, stating that a developer shall as much as possible minimise damage to the environment and shall ensure prompt payment of fair and adequate compensation to all interested persons for any damage or loss sustained by construction of electricity supply infrastructure. Section 69 of the Act requires a developer or licensee who intends to enter land under the management or control of the Uganda Land Commission or a District Land Board, to give 30 days notice to the Uganda Land Commission or a District Land Board, stating the nature and extent of the acts intended to be undertaken. According to the Act, a 30-day notice should also be given to private property owners affected by the project. For private land, the Land Act and Constitution of Republic of Uganda require that compensation be paid to owners including issuing a 3-month or 6-month notice after receipt of compensation before owners can vacate affected properties. The 3-month or 6-month notices to vacate affected property carry a 30% and 15% “disturbance allowance” on top of the property value, respectively. These aspects are detailed in the resettlement action plan (RAP) prepared for this project.

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2.3.5 TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT, CAP 246 This Act provides for an orderly and progressive development of land in both urban and rural areas of Uganda, hence its provisions are relevant to the proposed project. With likelihood to cause induced development, the project could cause alterations or cause the drawing up of a Structure Plan where none existed. For example, existence of the transmission power line might attract or hinder certain developments or affect choice of future developments in the project-affected area. Both Kamuli and Kayunga Districts should therefore anticipate these likely scenarios and incorporate them in their development plans. 2.3.6 PUBLIC HEALTH ACT, CAP 281 This Act provides local authorities with administrative powers to take all lawful, necessary and reasonable measures to prevent the occurrence or deal with any outbreak or prevalence of any infectious communicable or preventable disease and to safeguard and promote the public health. The Act mandates local authorities (Section 103) to prevent pollution of watercourses in interest of public good. This Act is applicable to onsite management of process waste, sewage and domestic waste during line construction. 2.3.7 OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ACT, 2006 The Act requires employers to provide and maintain safe working conditions, and to take measures to protect workers and the public from risks and dangers of their works, at his or her own cost (Section 13). Employers with more than 20 workers should prepare and often revise a written policy with respect to safety and health of workers (Section 14). Every workplace must be kept in a clean state, free from effluent arising from any drains and sanitary facilities (Section 46). The contractor therefore is obliged to provide employers with washing facilities, First Aid, facilities for meals and safe access to workplaces. This Act was discussed in the project’s SIA. 2.3.8 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT (WETLANDS, RIVER BANKS AND LAKESHORES MANAGEMENT) REGULATIONS, 2000 These regulations provide principles for sustainable use and conservation of wetlands, riverbanks and lakeshores. Relevance of these regulations to the EIA study are embedded in the following requirements:

EIA is mandatory for all major activities on riverbanks and lakeshores, Measures should be put in place for protection of riverbanks and lakeshores such as prevention of soil erosion,

siltation and water pollution.

These regulations are relevant considering that some portions of the line will cross marshes, although most of them were encroached for cultivation. 2.3.9 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT (NOISE STANDARDS AND CONTROL) REGULATIONS, 2003 Section 7 of these regulations require that no person shall emit noise in excess of permissible noise levels, unless permitted by a license issued under these Regulations. Section 8 imparts responsibility onto noise generators to use the best practicable means to ensure that noise does not exceed permissible noise levels. At construction sites corresponding limits are 75 dBA and 65 dBA for day and night time levels respectively1. These regulations will control noise levels generated or received by receptors from project sites and line construction activities.

1 Time frame: Day 6.00a.m -10.00 p.m; Night 10.00 p.m. - 6.00 a.m.

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2.3.10 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT (MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR MANAGEMENT OF SOIL QUALITY) REGULATIONS, 2001 Section 12 of this Act requires compliance with prescribed measures and guidelines for soil conservation for the particular topography, drainage and farming systems, contravention of which constitutes an offence. This Act will be relevant in regard to prevention of contamination of land communities use to derive their livelihoods. The Act will apply to waste disposal practices of contractors during line construction or repair and maintenance (during its operation). 2.3.11 WATER ACT, CAP 152 It is envisaged that water will be required for line construction activities and consumption by construction crew. Abstraction of water will be regulated by this Act. According to Section 6 of the Act, no person acquires any rights to use water or to construct or operate any works unless authorized under Part II of the Act. Thus, unless a person is an occupier of land on which surface water exists, water may not be used for any purpose without the approval of an authority. The general rights to use surface water are limited to domestic use and fire fighting once again indicating the importance attached to water supply for domestic purposes. Section 18 states that a person is not allowed to construct or operate any works unless he has a permit granted for that purpose by the Director, Directorate of Water Development (DWD). Construction is defined to include alteration, improvement, maintenance and repair. MEMD will need to apply for such a permit in order to abstract water from Victoria Nile. Section 31 (1) of the Water Act stipulates that it is an offence for a person to pollute water through discharge of waste into watercourses. In conformity with this law, the spillage of petroleum products, disposal of overburden, litter or construction waste should be avoided during construction and operation activities. 2.3.12 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT (WASTE MANAGEMENT) REGULATIONS, 1999. These Regulations apply to:

all categories of hazardous and non-hazardous waste; the storage and disposal of hazardous waste and its movement into and out of Uganda.

The regulations, which will relate to overall waste management during line construction, promote minimise waste generation by:

eliminating use of toxic raw materials; reducing toxic emissions and wastes; recovering and reuse of waste wherever possible.

2.3.13 THE MINING ACT, CAP. 148 Stone quarry sites and gravel borrow pits will be necessary for material needed for construction of tower foundations and the relevant licenses shall be obtained from the Commissioner of the Geological Survey and Mines. The Mining Act of 2003 regulates mining developments including set up of new quarries and/or sandpits. Relevant environmental studies required for this license application is described in Part XI. The extraction of stone/aggregate and murram materials will be undertaken in line with the provisions of this Act. Issues of restoration of the sites after murram extraction will be of key importance construction of the proposed powerline. 2.3.14 WORKERS’ COMPENSATION ACT (2000) Section 28 of The Workers’ Compensation Act (2000) states that:

Where a medical practitioner grants a certificate that a worker is suffering from a scheduled disease causing disablement or that the death of a workman was caused by any scheduled disease; and,

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The disease was due to the nature of the worker‘s employment and was contracted within 24 months immediately previous to the date of such disablement or death, the worker or, if he or she is deceased, his or her dependants shall be entitled to claim and to receive compensation under this Act as if such disablement or death had been caused by an accident arising out of and in the course of his or her employment.

The provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) to employees minimises accidents and injuries. Contractors must ensure that workers constructing the proposed transmission and substations have safety provisions to ensure compliance with this Act. This Act was discussed in the project’s SIA. 2.3.15 LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ACT, CAP 243 This Act provides for decentralized governance and devolution of central government functions, powers and services to local governments that have own political and administrative set-ups. According to Section 9 of the Act, a local government is the highest political and administrative authority in its area of jurisdiction and shall exercise both legislative and executive powers in accordance with the Constitution. Accordingly, Kamuli and Kayunga District Local Governments will have key responsibilities for environmental monitoring during construction of the power line. 2.3.16 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS, 1998 The regulations require a detailed study to determine possible environmental impacts and mitigation measures. The guidelines require that the EIA process should be participatory engaging the general public and stakeholders in consultations or to inform them and obtain their views about the proposed development during the EIA. 2.3.17 NATIONAL FORESTRY AND TREE PLANTING ACT, 2003 This legislation regulates access and use of forest resources in Uganda. Section 38 provides that a person intending to undertake a project or an activity which may, or is likely to have significant impact on forests shall undertake an EIA. This policy is important since the transmission line will affect about 0.76 km2 (0.08%) of Mabira Management Area which measures a total 1000 square kilometers. 2.3.18 PETROLEUM SUPPLY ACT, 2003 During line construction, fuel will be required by project vehicles and onsite power generators. The Petroleum Supply Act of 2003 provides for supervision and monitoring transportation, supply, storage and distribution of petroleum products. Among other provisions, the act provides for the safety and protection of public health and the environment in petroleum supply operations. 2.3.19 INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS Uganda has signed and/or ratified several international agreements and conventions relating to the environment both at regional and global level such as ones below. However due to the low environmental sensitivity of the line route no impact associated with these conventions are anticipated as shown below:

1968 African Convention on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources: Reason: No sensitive natural resources are found along the line route, except a short encroached stretch near Mabila Forest.

Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat: Reason: No gazetted wetlands are traversed by the powerline. The line route is along fringes of mostly seasonal swamps that have been extensively cultivated (see photograph below).

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Plate 1: One of the encroached swamps adjoining the line route

1987 Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer Reason: No such substances will be used for line construction.

1973 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora Reason: Line route does not traverse protected wildlife areas (except a short degraded portion Mabila forest currently encroached for settlement and cultivation).

1992 Convention on Biological Diversity Reason: Line route does not traverse areas with significant biological diversity.

Nile River basin cooperative framework (agreement repealing colonial era ones of 1929 & 1959 was signed May 2010) Reason: Line route does not cross River Nile.

The foregoing notwithstanding, the contractor will have a contractual obligation to avoid impacts that may violate above conventions, wherever encountered along the line route. 2.3.20 WORLD BANK POLICIES AND GUIDELINES Below are presented World Bank Group safeguard policies related to environmental issues since ones related to social aspects were discussed in the project RAP and SIA. Such projects have to adhere to the Bank’s guidelines in World Bank’s Environmental Assessment Sourcebook (1991) and Environmental Sourcebook Updates issued periodically since 1993. The following operational guidelines and procedures, are relevant to the proposed project, and offer elements of policy, procedure, good practices and guidance:

i) OP 4.01 Environmental Assessment presents the general requirements regarding environmental assessments, and defines relevant instruments, which include EIA.

ii) OP 4.04 Natural Habitats. The Bank is committed to protecting natural habitats and provides compensatory measures when lending results in adverse impacts. The Bank promotes conservation and management of wetlands and other sensitive areas (e.g. watercourses, marshes and swamps).

iii) OP 4.07 Water Resources Management. Bank policy promotes the protection and management of watersheds.

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2.4 INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

2.4.1 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY, NEMA The National Environmental Act provides for establishment of NEMA as the principal agency responsible for coordination, monitoring and supervision of environmental conservation activities. NEMA is under the Ministry of Water and Environment (MoWE) but has a cross-sectoral mandate to oversee the conduct of EIA through issuance of EIA guidelines, regulations and registration of practitioners. It reviews and approves environmental impact statements (EIS) in consultation with any relevant lead agencies. NEMA's enforcement branch is the department of Monitoring and Compliance. They are responsible for ensuring that enterprises comply with the various environmental regulations and standards. NEMA has appointed environmental inspectors whose powers and duties are spelled out in Section 81 of the National Environmental Act and can include stopping any activity which pollutes the environment. The environmental inspector may also issue an improvement notice requiring an operator of any activity to cease any activities deleterious to the environment which are contrary to the Act. NEMA has power; to prosecute environmental offenders and offences committed under the National Environment Act may earn the offender fines and prison sentences.

2.4.2 MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND MINERAL DEVELOPMENT, MEMD The Ministry is responsible for the energy sector, dealing specifically with policy formulation, policy implementation and monitoring. In 1999, following approval by cabinet of the Power Sector Reform and Privatization Strategy and enactment of new electricity law (The Electricity Act, 1999). Through various agencies and departments, MEMD has the overall responsibility for the energy sector, dealing specifically with policy formulation, policy implementation, licensing, monitoring and regulatory control. Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) provides technical advice related to powerline construction. 2.4.3 ELECTRICITY REGULATORY AUTHORITY, ERA ERA is a corporate body established to oversee implementation of the electricity Act 1999. Under the Act, ERA is mandated to review proposed investments in the energy sector and guide the promoters through implementation. The main functions of ERA include: - Issuing licenses for generation, transmission, distribution, of electricity processing applications for investors in the

energy sector; - Enforcement of requirement under the Act to ensure compliance with regulations; - Establishing tariffs, reviewing, and approving rates of investment in the electricity sector; - Advising the minister regarding the need for electricity projects; and - Developing and enforcement of energy standards. - ERA will ensure that, the operations costing of energy from the planned line project will be in accordance with its

set standards and tariffs.

2.4.4 UGANDA ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY LIMITED Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) is a Public Limited Company which was incorporated in March 2001 as a result of the power sector reform and liberalization policy that unbundled Uganda Electricity Board (UEB) into successor companies. The Company operates under policy guidance of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. UETCL’s mission is to dispatch, transmit quality and reliable bulk power in a viable and efficient manner; be an efficient and commercially focused single buyer actor and; mitigate emergency power situations in Uganda. The mandate of UETCL is to develop and implement national strategic as the appointed “Single Buyer Actor” in the power market. UETCL operational licenses requires it to: Operate its Operation of High Voltage Transmission Grid (HVTG) facilities in compliance with the Grid code that

involves promoting and developing policies and programs to achieve high level quality and reliable HVTG services in accordance with the Electricity Act.

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Operate the national power system with the objective of dispatching available electricity to meet load requirements at the lowest cost for customer service, maintaining system integrity and reliability.

Purchase power to provide continuous and economic supply of electricity to meet the load requirement for customers served directly or indirectly from HVTG facilities at lowest reasonable cost.

Import and export electricity power to neighboring countries pursuant to the terms of the agreement(s) for such international power transactions.

It is the mandate of UETCL to transmit power to and from different substations in the national grid and in this regard, UETCL will evacuate power from Isimba HPP through the proposed transmission line. 2.4.5 ELECTRICITY REGULATORY AUTHORITY The Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) is a statutory body established in accordance with the Electricity Act of 1999 (CAP 145) as an agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. The mandate of the ERA is "to provide for the generation, transmission, distribution, sale and use of electricity" in Uganda; to guide the liberalization of the electricity industry; and to manage licensing, rates, safety and other matters concerning the electricity industry. The Electricity Act of 1999 empowers ERA to regulate the Generation, Transmission, and Distribution of electrical power in Uganda. 2.4.6 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION STRUCTURES District and Local Council administration of Kayunga and Kamuli would be vital in implementation of the project by mobilising political goodwill and sensitizing communities. Local administration leaders e.g. District Environmental Officers (DEO) will also play role during environmental monitoring associated with line construction. 2.4.7 THE MINISTRY OF GENDER, LABOUR & SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, MGLSD MGLSD is the leading and coordinating agency for the Social Development Sector. In collaboration with other stakeholders, MGLSD is responsible for occupational safety, labour relations, community empowerment, protection and promotion of the rights and obligations of the specified vulnerable groups for social protection and gender responsive development. Making it a stakeholder during implementation of this project. 2.4.8 NATIONAL FORESTRY AUTHORITY, NFA The National Forestry and Tree Planting Act of 2003 created NFA as semi-autonomous body responsible for management of central forest reserves. NFA divided the country into sectors and manages forest reserves through its sector managers. Near Naminya village, the proposed line route passes through a patch of encroached natural forest. In this regard therefore NFA may be a stakeholder during implementation of this project.

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3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

3.1 DAM LOCATION, HENCE ORIGIN OF THE LINE

Location of the dam will influence starting point, orientation and length of the transmission line. The power station will be located at Isimba, on Victoria Nile about 40 km downstream of Bujagali hydropower station. About 50 km downstream of the source of Victoria Nile is found Simba Falls after which the proposed project (Isimba HPP), which will be in the vicinity of these falls, is named. The project area is sparsely inhabited with small-scale subsistence agriculture and artisanal fishing being the predominant occupations. Location of the dam site is shown maps below. GPS coordinates of the proposed power station are E: 505419 N: 86154 (Projection: WGS84 UTM Zone 36N) constructed across River Nile with one part in Kayunga District (Left Bank) and another in Kamuli District (Right Bank). On the left bank part of the dam will be located in Nampaanyi Sub-county while on the right bank it will lie in Bugumira and Kisozi Sub-counties.

Figure 1. Proposed Isimba dam in Kayunga and Kamuli Districts

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Figure 2. Proposed location of Isimba dam downstream of Bujagali HPP

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3.2 TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE 42 KM 132 KV TRANSMISSION LINE

A new 132 kV double circuit transmission line shall run from a substation at Bujagali HPP to a new substation at Isimba hydropower dam in order to connect power generated (at Isimba HPP) to the national grid. The line on steel lattice towers will be 42 km long and have a 30 meter wayleave with a 5 meter right of way. The transmission line shall follow existing roads in order have easy access during construction and maintenance. Due to linear settlements along the roads, the proposed powerline line shall be at a distance ranging between 50m and 100 m from existing roads. The following general criteria were considered for selecting the line route:

Highly populated areas will be avoided as much as possible to minimise resettlement Crossings over other overhead lines, main roads and rivers to be optimized River Nile crossings to be located at suitable positions Access to tower locations and angle points to be provided to enable transportation of conductor drums

and stringing equipment Future access for maintenance purposes during operation Due attention to environmental aspects

3.3 SUBSTATIONS

In order to connect the electricity generated at Isimba HPP to the electrical network it is necessary to establish a new 132 kV substation near Isimba dam, lay down one 132 kV double circuit transmission line from Isimba Substation to an existing substation at Bujagali HPP and expand existing Bujagali substation for connection of Isimba transmission line. These substations are described below. 3.3.1 NEW ISIMBA SUBSTATION The new substation shall be a double busbar type with two line bays, 4 Transformer bays, 1 bus coupler and 2 Future bays. Further, the scope includes one control building and necessary access roads, pavement and drainage system. The design shall be prepared considering enough spare space available for future extension of the substation. Thus, cable channels, openings, civil works, building works, arrangement of all secondary equipment shall be designed and prepared for the final stage. Single line, layout, sections, building and other relevant drawings shall show the final extension of the substation. The following 132 kV new equipment shall be included in the scope of supply and works: 1 (one) double busbar system 132 kV outdoor Steel work and busbar, lattice type, busbar conductors 1 (one) busbar coupler:

• 1 (one) set SF6 circuit breaker, • 2 (two) sets of disconnector with 1 (one) earthing switch, • 6 (six) multi-core current transformers.

2 (two) busbar measuring bay consisting of:

• 6 (six) voltage transformer. • 2 (two) sets of disconnector with earthing switch

2 (two) line bays consisting each of:

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• 1 (one) set SF6 circuit breakers • 1 (one) set of double busbar disconnectors with 1 (one) earthing switch, • 1 (one) set of disconnector with 2 (two) earthing switches, • 3 (three) multi-core current transformers, • 3 (three) voltage transformers, • 3 (three) lightning arresters

4 (four) transformer bays with:

• 1 (one) set SF6 circuit breaker, • 1 (one) set of double busbar disconnectors with 1 (one) earthing switch, • 1 (one) earthing switch, • 3 (three) multi-core current transformers, • 3 (three) voltage transformer, • 3 (three) lightning arresters

The auxiliary power system, power and control cables, earthing, power and lightning control and monitoring equipment, protection equipment, telecommunication system will also be installed at the new substation. 3.3.2 EXTENSION OF 132 KV OUTDOOR SWITCHYARD BUJAGALI Due to the limited space near existing Bujagali substation a connection cable shall be used to connect the double circuit Isimba line to Bujagali Substation. Such connection of Isimba transmission line to existing 132 kV part of the Bujagali Substation will avoid interference with future expansion of Bujagali Substation to 220 kV level. The following 132 kV new equipment shall be included in the scope of supply and works: • Modification of the existing busbar system 132 kV outdoor • Steel work and busbar, lattice type, busbar conductors 2 (two) cable bay Isimba 1/2 with:

• 1 (one) set SF6 circuit breaker, • 1 (one) earthing switch • 3 (three) multi-core current transformers, • 3 (three) voltage transformer, • 3 (three) lightning arresters.

2 (two) cable systems between feeder Isimba 1, Isimba 2 and overheadline 132 kV

• 3 (three) single phase XLPE cable connection to nearby overheadline 132 kV, • 3 (three) cable sealing ends on overheadline, • 3 (three) lightning arrestors on overheadline.

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4 BASELINE CONDITIONS In this section, a description of baseline environmental conditions along proposed Isimba transmission line route is presented. This information is limited to only environmental conditions since social-economic baseline was discussed in the social impact assessment (SIA) report. This baseline is based on observations from walking along the route in Kayunga and Buikwe districts, review of available secondary information and stakeholder consultation.

4.1 DISTRICT PROFILES

4.1.1 KAYUNGA DISTRICT Curved out of Mukono, Kayunga district came into existence through the merging of Bbale and Ntenjeru counties in the year 2000. It has an area of 1742 sq km and is bordered by Apac to the North, Jinja to the East, Luweero to the West while Mukono is to the South. The district is divided into two counties of Ntenjeru and Bbaale, eight sub-counties, one town council. The urbanization level was 6.7% indicating that the majority of the population lives in rural areas. Subsistence agriculture like in most rural parts of the country employs almost 96% of the population. Coffee is the main cash crop but due to the coffee wilt, its production has decreased. The main food crops include bananas, sweet potatoes, cassava, maize, beans and groundnuts. In addition, fruits (pineapples, watermelon, mangoes and passion fruit) are grown for commercial trade. The sub-counties mainly engaged in crop farming are; Kangulumira, Nazigo and Busaana wit the rest mainly involved in livestock farming. 4.1.2 BUIKWE DISTRICT Until 1st July 2009 when it was created by Act of Parliament, Buikwe District was a County of Mukono District. It lies north of the Equator in Central Uganda, 16 km East of Kampala City along Kampala-Jinja Highway. It is bordered by Luwero and Kayunga Districts to the North, Kampala and Wakiso to the West, Jinja to the East, and Buvuma to the South. The District Headquarters is located in Buikwe Town, situated along Lugazi - Kiyindi road (59 kms East of Kampala City and 39 kms East of Mukono Town). Buikwe Town serves as an Administrative and commercial centre. Other urban centers include Lugazi, Njeru and Nkokonjeru Town Councils. Land use includes 1496.9 sq km of subsistence agriculture, 151.4 sq km of large-scale farming, 650 sq km of forest cover and 14.4 sq km of built area comprising residential, commercial and industrial facilities. Before it turned into a District, Buikwe comprised 63 parishes and 485 villages. Over 80% of the production sector is characterized by subsistence agricultural production. Commercial agriculture exists at big establishments such as sugarcane estates, flower farms and tea estates where predominantly migrant population, especially from West Nile, provides affordable labor.

4.2 CLIMATE

Kayunga District lies at an altitude ranging between 1158 m and 1219 m above sea level with high temperatures of 19-25oC It has an average rainfall of 1000 mm -1200 mm per year over two main rain seasons: March-May and August-November. Buikwe District lies at an altitude range of 1158 m to 1219 m above sea level. It has a tropical climate with temperatures ranging between 21oC – 29oC and annual rainfall of between 1100 mm to 1400 mm received in two wet seasons. The peak rainfall periods are March to May and August to NovemberUndertaking line construction activities likely to be impacted by heavy rains should therefore be planned outside these months.

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4.3 WATER RESOURCES ALONG THE LINE ROUTE

The proposed power line will start at the dam site in Nampaanyi Village (GPS coordinates 085147 E; 504602 N)1 at the left bank of Victoria Nile. After this location, no major watercourses are encountered along the line route except seasonal swamps which are prevalently used for cultivation of maize. Example of these cultivated swamps is Waliga stream at the boundary of Buikwe and Kayunga District between villages of Kirugu-Alimansi (in Buikwe) and Maligita in Kayunga. It is noted the power line route is along aligned along boundaries of swamps to avoid communities or settlements which would significantly raise resettlement cost.

Plate 1: Location of proposed Isimba dam where the proposed power line will start from

(1) Projection: WGS84 UTM Zone 36N

a

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Plate 2a, b: Some of the several seasonal swamps adjoining the line route, modified by farming

Plate 3: One of the several seasonal swamps adjoining the line route

4.4 BASELINE NOISE AND AIR QUALITY

Rural communities along the line route had low noise levels mainly due to absence of (or sparse) settlements, motor traffic or industrial facilities. Only in trading centres such as Kangulumira with considerable urban or peri-urban activity and small-scale facilties such as maize amills was noise relatively high. Therefore line construction activities or traffic associated with project implementation would pose only marginal change intrading centers but possibly noticeable increment of noise above baseline levels in rural settings. In rural areas typical noise levels measured ranged between 48- 60 dBA while in trading centres, levels ranged higher between 50-72 dBA.

b

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Plate 4a, b: Trading centres such as Kangulumira shown in (a) with 72 dBA, had higher noise levels than rural areas (b). No industrial sources of air emissions were encountered along the proposed line route. A few trading centres had more motor traffic than rural areas but these were not associated with significant air quality effects different from that manifesting in larger towns elsewhere in Uganda. Unpaved roads did not generate notable dust, due to low traffic volumes in rural areas along the line route. Air quality along the line route can therefore be categorised as nearly pristine due to absence of notable emission sources.

4.5 FAUNA AND FLORA

The transmission line route from Nampaanyi to Bujagali is classified as being under ecological zone of Celtis-Chrysophyllum semi-deciduous forest (Figure 3) after Langdale-Brown et al. (1964). However local communities in this part of Uganda are heavily dependent on natural resources for livelihood (Kalema et al. 2010) and today nearly all the natural vegetation has disappeared owing to major land use changes such as clearing forests and

b

a

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swamps for cultivation. This is evident in Naminya village where natural forest cover has been cleared for charcoal production and farming. The proposed 132 kV double circuit transmission line from a substation at Bujagali hydropower station to a proposed substation at Isimba HPP will be 42 km long with a wayleave of 30 meters with a right of way (RoW) of 5 meters. Along most of its length, the line traverses sparsely settled and cultivated areas. Most of the stands of natural vegetation have therefore been modified for above purposes. Where natural vegetation survives it is largely secondary. From a distance cultivated areas appear wooded but in fact it is only a few stands of trees in gardens. In Plate 5 below trees of Albizia, Ficus, Markhamia species and Jackfruit fruit can be seen (background) scattered in the garden.

Most of the agricultural areas crossed have a mixture of crops including coffee, bananas, cassava and annual crops such as maize beans and tomatoes. In many cases for crops shorter than2 meters, cultivation under the powerline would still continue after its construction.

Plate 6: Gardens in Nampanyi village (GPS coordinates 503994N 85334E) with a high level of woody vegetation including coffee in the foreground and native trees

Plate 5: Agro-ecosystems in Nampanyi village where the 132 kV transmission line will start

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Source: Langdale-Brown et al. (1964) and van Breugel et al. (2011)

Figure 3: Potential natural vegetation types along the proposed 132 kV transmission line

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Plate 7: Area around AP 14 (500902N; 80794E) in a drained swamp previously cultivated with sugarcane In Bunkamba village the proposed powerline crosses one of the largest surviving wetland in the area. However, just like the other wetlands crossed by the line, this wetland is also under pressure from reclamation for agriculture. A fair amount of natural vegetation cover however survives around this wetland but is of low conservation significance. Along the entire powerline route, only one location has remnant of forest cover (GPS coordinates 508690N; 58100E) which is currently highly degraded and only has sparse stand of trees that no longer form a closed canopy that expected of a tropical rainforest (Plate 8). Although very highly degraded and probably without very much future as a forested area, this area retained several species of birds and plants with forest affinity.

Plate 8: An area of degraded forest cover along the line route 4.5.1 FLORA AND SPECIES RICHNESS Areas traversed by the proposed power transmission line have been considerably altered by human activity and have low conservation significance. Areas surveyed along the line route yielded a total of 232 plant species in 168 genera and 57 families of which 78 species were trees and shrubs. The woody species that were most abundant are: Markhamia lutea, Artocarpus heterophyllus, Albizia grandibracteata, Coffea robusta, Ficus natalensis, Maesopsis eminii, Mangifera indica and Milicia excelsa in that order. Non-woody species that spanned most areas included: Synedrella nodiflora, Achyranthes aspera, Desmodium tortuosum, Sida acuta, Panicum

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maximum, Rottboellia cochinchinensis, all of which are weeds of cultivation and/or typical of waste lands. The majority of the plant species were herbaceous, mainly herbs and graminoids (grasses and grass-like plants) as shown in figure below.

Figure 4: Distribution of plant species (by their life form) along proposed Isimba transmission line route 4.5.2 FLORA SPECIES OF CONSERVATION CONCERN Some plant species of conservation concern (in terms of range restriction, rarity, threat) were observed in the area. These include the following:

a) Milicia excelsa, Tamarindus indica, Canarium schweinfurthii and Maesopsis eminii are all on Uganda’s National Forestry Authority ‘Reserved Species’ list, and are therefore protected from exploitation and threat to their habitats. Milicia excelsa is listed because of commercial logging and use for timber, especially for quality indoor and outdoor furniture, firewood and charcoal. Due to this use, it is steadily getting rarer in Uganda. The species is believed to have undergone systematic decline in Uganda as the local communities are reported to believe the species grows by itself and will always be available. The fruits of Tamarindus indica and Canarium schweinfurthii are commonly used as food but are threatened with felling for fuel wood. Maesopsis eminii is used for fire wood and timber.

b) The following species are all a result of introduction in Uganda, with a large potential to suppress indigenous plant species (Cronk & Fuller 2001, Global Invasive Species Programme 2003): i) Eichhornia crassipes is one of the most notorious invasive species that has been recorded in the

fresh waters of Uganda and beyond (Johnstonne & Githongo 1997, Howard & Matindi 2003). It was recorded from a degraded swamp along the proposed transmission line route.

ii) Broussonetia papyrifera is another highly invasive species which spread and covered vast parts of nearby Mabira Forest Reserve ecosystem. It does appear to flourish in open areas and was encountred in many areas disturbed with cultivation along the proposed line route.

iii) Mimosa pigra is a moist ground invasive shrub capable of covering large parts of wetlands once disturbances are chronic and it proliferates as grazing intensifies.

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Herbs Graminoids HerbaceousClimbers

WoodyClimbers

Shrubs Trees

Life form

Num

ber o

f spe

cies

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iv) Lantana camara invades areas that are drier unlike than Mimosa pigra but both species thrive with disturbance (Cronk & Fuller 2001). Their presence makes indigenous flora in any given area susceptible to suppression effects (Cronk & Fuller 2001, Global Invasive Species Programme 2003). Mimosa pigra is invading many wetlands in Uganda and was seen in some swamps along the line route.

4.5.3 FAUNA 4.5.2.1 Birds

Birds and other biodiversity have been extensively studied in what is sometimes referred to as the ‘coffee-banana arc’ north of Lake Victoria (Nalwanga, 2011). Although most of the area, including that to be followed by the proposed transmission line, is cultivated, it retains considerable bird populationand species. Nalwanga recorded 218 species across 26 sites and similar numbers have been recorded from the on-going Bird Population Monitoring programme, co-ordinated by NatureUganda. The Uganda Bird Atlas (Carswell et al, 2005) reflect this diversity. About 200 of these are specialist waterbirds or forest birds, so Nalwanga recorded just over 60% of the species that might be expected outside forests and wetlands. Birds are mobile, and in this study were recorded up to 0.5 kilometres from the proposed transmission line route. Including the counts from Bujagali, the survey recorded 130 bird species listed in Annex B. The seven farmland sites yielded 94 species, of which 60 were also found at the single Bujagali site (and where a further 25 were recorded that were not found in the current survey). The three valley bottom sites had 63 species, all but 11 of which were also in the farmland. This is expected since the valleys were almost completely cultivated. Farmland sites had numerous trees, including a big variety of native species, such as Markhamia, which was particularly common, as well as fruit trees such as jackfruit. Many birds depend upon trees for roosting, nesting or feeding. There was no real forest along the transmission line route, but many forest generalist and visitor species are found outside forest in areas with plenty of trees. Numbers of species in other categories were relatively small, and the four regionally-listed species are all widespread. These are the Grey Parrot (R-NT), Spot-flanked Barbet, White-headed Saw-wing and Red-chested Sunbird. Only a small population of aerial species (swifts, bee-eaters, swallows) were encountred. There were few open areas of grassland, hence few species of that speciality, and only 7 Afrotropical migrants (a further 5 migrants, from the Palearctic region, were recorded at Bujagali, and would be expected in these areas too, between about October and March).

Valley bottom sites of which there were only three, were originally seasonal swamps but now under cultivation, therefore many of the farmland species occurred here. There were also a few more species associated with wetlands (w), but most of these are widespread and some, such as Tawny-flanked Prinia, were also encountred in farmlands and valley bottoms. Table 1: Number of bird species encountred in the two main habitats along line route

Category Code Number of species in: Farmland Valley bottoms

Regionally near-threatened R-NT 1 1 Regionally restricted R-RR 3 3 Forest specialist FF 2 1 Forest generalist F 14 2 Forest visitor f 39 23 Waterbird specialist W 3 3 Wetland visitor w 13 15 Aerial species Ae 3 3 Grassland specialist G 6 8

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Category Code Number of species in: Farmland Valley bottoms

Afrotropical migrant A 7 4 Total 91 63

Grey Crowned Cranes deserve a special mention, because they are Uganda’s National Bird and are also rapidly declining. The National Biodiversity Data Bank estimates that Grey Crowned Cranes population has fallen by more than 70% in the past 40 years (State of Uganda’s Biodiversity Report for 2010). Cranes breed in seasonal swamps of the kind that have been extensively drained in areas traversed by the proposed transmission line. However even in degraded swamps, Grey Crowned Cranes were still encountered, as was reported by local people. Of seven people interviewed, 3 had seen cranes within the previous week; 2 people within the previous month and 2 people less frequently.

4.5.2.2 Mammals

Very few data exist on mammal occurrence and diversity in the areas of Uganda that don’t have any protection status. Some studies from which mammals’ data relevant to the present project can be sourced include: Dickson and Kityo 1996 (Small mammals in Mabira Forest Biodiversity Report edited by P. Howard, T.

Davenport & M Baltzer), and, Bujagali HPP EIA studies.

Mabira Forest which has a relatively good level of protection has over 100 species of mammals (both small and large). Areas outside protected areas in central Uganda have largely been depleted of medium to large sized mammals which were either hunted for meat or killed on sight because were vermin. No wild mammals of conservation concern were encountered along the proposed power line route. A few large mammal species were reported by local residents to have previously lived in some areas along the line route but have now been locally exterminated. Species of mammals that would be of significant conservation concern include Hippopotami, Leopard and Spot-necked Otter. Since none of these were encountered, it is not considered that the proposed transmission line will have significant conservation concern regarding terrestrial mammals. A total of 20 species (Table 2) were reported to ever have been seen by local people in different areas along the proposed power line route. Table 2: Mammal species reported in different places along the proposed transmission line route

Angle point (AP) along power line route AP01 AP03 AP05 AP07 AP011 74 AP13 AP14 69 AP16

Coordinates 51

5383

N 55

276E

5124

15 56

962

5086

90 58

100

5033

87 62

979

5015

38 74

947

5013

77 75

576

5007

03 79

147

5009

02 80

794

5032

92 82

775

5045

12 85

431

Species Land

-use

Agro

-eco

syste

m sit

e 1

Agro

-eco

syste

m sit

e 2

Agro

-eco

syste

m sit

e 3

Agro

-eco

syste

m sit

e 4

Agro

-eco

syste

m sit

e 5

Agro

-eco

syste

m sit

e 6

Valle

y site

1

Valle

y site

2

Valle

y site

3

Agro

-eco

syste

m sit

e 7

Hippopotamus amphibius Hippopotamus pre 1987 p

Sylvicapra grimmia Bush Duiker p pre 1987

Tragelaphus scriptus Bushbuck p p pre 1987

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Angle point (AP) along power line route AP01 AP03 AP05 AP07 AP011 74 AP13 AP14 69 AP16

Coordinates 51

5383

N 55

276E

5124

15 56

962

5086

90 58

100

5033

87 62

979

5015

38 74

947

5013

77 75

576

5007

03 79

147

5009

02 80

794

5032

92 82

775

5045

12 85

431

Species Land

-use

Agro

-eco

syste

m sit

e 1

Agro

-eco

syste

m sit

e 2

Agro

-eco

syste

m sit

e 3

Agro

-eco

syste

m sit

e 4

Agro

-eco

syste

m sit

e 5

Agro

-eco

syste

m sit

e 6

Valle

y site

1

Valle

y site

2

Valle

y site

3

Agro

-eco

syste

m sit

e 7

Cercopithecus aethiops Vervet Monkey p p p

Cercopithecus ascanius Red tailed Monkey p

Papio anubis Olive Baboon

Lutra maculicollis Spot necked Otter p

Ichneumia albicauda White-tailed Mongoose p p p

Herpestes ichneumon Gray Mongoose p p p p p

Herpestes sanguineus Slender Mongoose p p p p

Atilax paludinosus Marsh Mongoose p p p p

Mungos mungo Banded Mongoose p

Civetictis civetta African Civet p

Canis adustus Side stripped Jackal p p p p p

Felis serval Serval cat p

Panthera pardus Leopard pre 1987

Crocuta crocuta Spotted Hyena pre 1987

Heliosciurus rufobrachium Red-legged Sun Squirrel p p

Xerus erythropus Stripped Ground squirrel p

Thryonomys gregorianus Cane rat p Note: “p” indicates animals reported by local people to ever have been seen in the area. In some cases the list above includes animals locally extirpated from different areas by the late 1980s. “pre” means “before”.

4.6 GENERAL OBSERVATIONS ALONG THE POWER LINE ROUTE

Table below shows observations by angle point (AP) along the proposed transmission line.

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Table 3: Observations along the proposed power transmission line route

Stetch between angle points (AP)

Observations

AP 16

Location where the transmission line will originate at Isimba hydropower station in Nampanyi village on the left bank of Victoria Nile. GPS coordinates 504602N; 085147E (Note: for all coordinates, projection is: WGS84 UTM Zone 36N). Area is predominantly engaged in subsistence farming with maize, the predominant crop, intercropped with groundnuts, cassava and coffee. Paddy rice is also grown in patches of swamp on the river bank. Papyrus reeds are harvested for sale as roofing materials. The location is used as a canoe landing site. Other economic activities observed by the river bank were stone crushing, and sand mining from the riverbed. Noise level measured at this location was 62 dBA with sources being chirping birds, human conversation and splashing water. River bank also used for collection of domestic water. A large slope (more than 9%) exists towards the river.

Plate: 9: Starting point of the power line (left) and piles of sand and stone sold by the river bank (right and foreground in left photograph)

AP 15-AP 14 No notable differences in general environmental conditions existed except a seasonal swamp near AP14 which was cultivated with maize crop.

GPS coordinates 502209N; 081971E (Projection WGS84 UTM Zone 36N). For maize crop, cultivation under the power line wayleaves will still be possible after its construction.

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Nampanyi Trading Centre (photo below) near AP15 may provide unskilled labour during line construction. The trading centre will also have receptors for impacts associated with construction traffic (e.g. road dust, traffic / construction noise and possibly road accidents).

Plate 10: Nampanyi Trading Centre

AP 12- AP14

Bukamba village near AP 13 is a rural sparsely populated area where subsistence farming is the prevalent occupation. Common crops are bananas, maize and coffee. No sensitive environmental features were noted. Namirembe village near AP 12 is characterised by subsistence farmlands. A seasonal marsh exists at location with coordinates 500374 N; 077904E.

AP 11-AP 12 In this stretch through Gayaza village, the proposed line route traverses seasonal marshes cultivated with maize crop. Settlements are sparse and linear along the road. The line will affect semi-permanent dwellings and crops (coffee, bananas and trees)

AP 10 – AP 11 No sensitive environmental features existed along this stretch but the power line will pass over subsistence farmlands and trees.

AP 9- AP 10 Near AP 9 in Kiribedda village is found sparse rural settlements and the line stretch is predominantly characterised by subsistence farmlands. No sensitive environmental features existed along this stretch. In Kamuli village, the line will pass over Kamuli Umea Primary School teachers’ quarters (Coordinates 500809 N; 066220E).

AP 7- AP 8 AP 7 is to be located in Kitabazi village in which the predominant landuse is farming of maize and pineapple (see photograph below)

34 | P A G E

(Coordinates 503580 N; 063162E).

Plate 11: Commercial and subsistence farming in line section between AP7-AP8 In this stretch, is found Kangulumira Town but the proposed power line will pass 800 meters west of the town to avoid settlements. This stretch had no sensitive environmental features. (Coordinates 502887 N; 064435E). Settlement is sparse and linear along the paved highway near the proposed line route. In Kisega village, several residential dwellings and Mama Maria Primary School (Coordinates 502233 N; 064145E) will be affected by the power line (AP 8 is located at Mama Maria Primary School shown in photograph below).

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Plate 12: Mama Maria Primary School in Kisega village

AP 5- AP 7

In Namiyagi village, the proposed power line will pass over small-scale artisanal stone quarrying sites in a predominantly farming community.

Plate 13: Small-scale storn crushing in Namiyagi village Area around AP 5 is wooded because of its proximity to Mabira Forest Reserve. However forest cover is under intense clearance for

36 | P A G E

cultivation.

AP 4- AP 5 No change in land cover and land use.

AP 3- AP 4 Noted along this section was a stretch of swamp planted with maize and sugar care.

AP 1- AP 2 AP 1 is located at newly constructed Bujagali power station substation. Noise about 300 meters from AP1 is 50 dBA.

Plate 14: Existing substation at newly commissioned Bujagali hydropower station. AP1 will be located in this substation AP2 is to be located in Kikubamutwe village where landuse is subsistence farming.

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5 EIA METHODOLOGY

5.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter describes the broad principles of methodology and scope of the EIA indicating the approach that was used to identify, evaluate and recommend mitigation measures for environmental impacts.

5.2 BASIS OF THE ASSESSMENT

The environmental and social impacts of the project were predicted in relation to environmental and social receptors or people (e.g. residents of villages and settlements, and land-use, etc), and natural resources. This was accomplished by comparing baseline conditions (i.e. the situation without the project) with situations that would ensue when the project is implemented.

5.3 IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE

Three stages were utilised to establish significance of impacts as follows: a) Impact severity: how severe is the impact (negligible, low, medium, and high). The severity of an impact is

a function of a range of considerations including:

impact magnitude; impact extent; impact duration; and receptor sensitivity.

b) Likelihood of occurrence: how likely is the impact to occur (none, low medium and high); and c) Identification of the impact significance, which is the product of a combination of the above two variables. The process for combining the severity of the impact with the likelihood of the impact is shown as a matrix below. Matrix 1: Derivation of impact significance

Impact Severity Impact Likelihood

None Low Medium High Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible

Low Negligible Negligible Negligible - Minor Minor

Medium Negligible Minor Minor - Moderate Moderate

High Minor Moderate Major Major

5.4 MITIGATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

Mitigation measures were designed in order to avoid, reduce, mitigate, or compensate for adverse environmental and social impacts and inform the Environmental and Social Management Plan (Chapter 9). A detailed impact analysis is provided in Chapter 7.

5.5 CONSULTATION AND DISCLOSURE

Stakeholder consultation and disclosure are essential for acceptance and ownership of the proposed project. Relevant and adequate project information was provided to stakeholders to enable them understand project risks, impacts and opportunities. Stakeholder consultation aimed at:

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Generating good understanding of the project; Understanding local expectations of the project; Characterising potential environmental, socio-economic impacts; Developing effective mitigation recommendations;

5.6 APPROACH FOR STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION

The following techniques were used to conduct consultations:

Interviews with local administration (district administration and local LC leaders). Consultation with local communities along line route. Focus group discussions and formal meetings.

5.7 SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES

The study methodology included the specific actions presented below.

a) Establishment of baseline environmental conditions Baseline conditions were established as follows:

Using an Casella® digital Sound Level Meter to measure ambient noise Consultation with the local communities to establish socio-economic baseline Review of relevant national and district data Observation and interviews with local residents to obtain information on fauna and flora species along

the line route b) Policies and regulations applicable to the facility

A review of Uganda’s environmental laws and regulations was undertaken to establish those relevant to construction and operation of the proposed powerline project.

c) Fauna and flora Literature about flora and its conservation status was reviewed in order to identify unique, threatened, rare and other cases of conservation concern species and habitats known to occur in the areas of the proposed transmission line. At each sample site, the zero point was taken as a central point and an area the radius of about 100 m surveyed. All species of plants encountered in this radius were identified and recorded. The plants that could not easily be identified in the field were collected as vouchers for subsequent identification and deposition in the Makerere University Herbarium (MHU). GPS coordinates were recorded at every point of sampling.

The two main habitats, i.e. small-holder farms and valley bottoms – were both sampled by one-hour Timed Species Counts (Bibby et al 2000). This method, which has been widely used in Uganda (Pomeroy and Asasira 2011) consists of making a list of all species detected in a particular habitat within one hour. Those recorded, whether seen or heard, within the first ten minutes are scored 6, those in the next ten minutes get 5, and so on. Over a series of counts, common species are expected to be recorded in every count, and often to score 6, whilst those present in only one or two counts, usually with low scores, can be considered rare. A survey of the whole length of the proposed transmission line from Nampaanyi village (AP 16) to Bujagali HPP (AP 1) was undertaken. Effort was made to survey at angle points where there is expected to be most disturbance. A total of ten sites were selected and sampled. The sample points were random locations along the power line. However for birds, being mobile, habitats within 300 meters of the line centreline were included in the survey. Table 4 gives details of locations that were

39 | P A G E

surveyed. All survey locations were generally in agro-ecosystem areas, of which seven were upland sites while three were in valley bottom wetland areas. It was noted however that in all cases swamps along the line route had been drained to different degrees for farming.

Table 4: Coordinates and general habitat characteristics at the 10 fauna and flora sampling points

Land-use Survey point Coordinates Trees cover Shrub cover

Agro-ecosystem site 1 AP01 36 N 515383 55276 8 4

Agro-ecosystem site 2 AP03 36 N 512415 56962 10 7

Agro-ecosystem site 3 AP05 36 N 508690 58100 6 4

Agro-ecosystem site 4 AP07 36 N 503387 62979 3 3

Agro-ecosystem site 5 AP011 36 N 501538 74947 5 5

Agro-ecosystem site 6 74 36 N 501377 75576 5 4

Agro-ecosystem site 7 AP16 36 N 504512 85431 7 7

Valley site 1 AP13 36 N 500703 79147 1 2

Valley site 2 AP14 36 N 500902 80794 1 1

Valley site 3 69 36 N 503292 82775 1 2 Mammal surveys along the proposed power transmission line route were conducted through interviews with local people and observations for physical signs (scats, prints, bones, etc) that show mammal presence or actual mammal sightings.

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6 RESULTS OF STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION Consultations were conducted by with stakeholders to introduce the project, its potential benefits and impacts and address the any concerns raised. Issues raised are summarized in Box 1 but were mostly related to social-economic conditions than environmental conservation. A list of stakeholders consulted and their responses are presented in Annex A.

Box 1: Findings from stakeholder consultation

a) Land acquisition for line route (wayleaves, right of way):

Common stakeholder queries were: How will easements be registered on land title deeds? Why doesn’t the government outrightly purchase affected land considering that the orphaned land would

eventually be useless to an owner in the long-term?

b) Damage or pollution of water sources (springs and wells)

Communities noted that construction activities near spring wells might damage their only water sources, or in some cases inconsiderate disposal of waste by construction crews including human excrete at construction sites could contaminate wells from which communities draw water for domestic use.

c) Timely, equitable compensation

Stakeholders considered this essential for smooth relocation. A common reference was to the effect that government projects do not pay adequate compensation to affected people.

d) Loss of private property (land, crops and dwellings) and compensation:

Property owners along the line route expressed a need for equitable and prompt compensation before line construction is commenced. To this effect they desired to see the following: An accurate census of the affected people along the line route, A transparent and fair valuation exercise to derive value of property to compensate, Prompt payment of all compensation claims.

e) Employment: Local people desired to be given employment opportunities both during project construction. f) Accidents: Communities were concerned about possible road accidents that could injure livestock or people

during transportation of line construction materials and equipment through settlements and trading centres. h) Illicit sexual relationships with local women: Most people associated powerline contractors with social

misdemeanor such as illicit sexual behaviour with local women and girls. This was a prevalent view in urban centres (and poses a risk of HIV/AIDS).

41 | P A G E

7 POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

Analysis in sections below is limited to environmental impacts of construction and operation of the 132 kV transmission line and associated substations since social impacts (such as employment, income to suppliers of line construction materials and equipment, etc) were assessed and documented in a separate Social Impact Assessment (SIA) report. Power transmission lines characteristically generate impacts such as acquisition and maintenance of the right of way, clearing of vegetation from sites and line corridor, construction of access roads, tower pads and substations are the most obvious sources of construction-related impacts. During line construction is the period when most environment chnages will occur. Impacts of the project are disussed in sections below.

7.1 FAUNA AND FLORA IMPACTS

a) Impact identification i) Fauna The transmission line may pose physical hazard to birds and climbing animals especially primates. However, no areas along the line route were noted to have high densities of large birds, primates or colonies of migratory avifauna species, therefore fauna-related impacts may be marginal. ii) Flora To enable vehicle and crew access during tower construction and stringing, vegetation in the way-leave and right of way will be cleared. During line operation and maintenance, clearing the way-leave to avoid tall trees touching power line conductors will result in permanent loss of vegetation in areas that would otherwise have had tall trees and shrubs. Loss of tree cover will notably be in areas such as Naminya village, where the proposed power line route passes through a patch of encroached natural forest. However, no biodiversity impacts or loss of habits will result from construction and operation of the proposed power line. These negative impacts will occur both during line construction and operation where clearing of tall trees near the wayleaves is a routine maintenance practice. The impacts are long-term but of local spatial extent.

Project phase when impact will occur Construction Operation √ √

b) Impact significance

The likelihood of impact on flora is high since the wayleaves must be kept free of tall trees that could fall onto the powerline. Impact severity is considered medium and significance is moderate since there are not many forested stretches along the line route. Moreover where they exist along the proposed line route, natural forests are rapidly being cleared for farming and settlement.

42 | P A G E

Negative impact (-) Impact Likelihood

None Low Medium High

Impa

ct S

ever

ity Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible

Low Negligible Negligible Negligible – Minor Minor

Medium Negligible Minor Minor - Moderate Moderate

High Minor Moderate Major Major

Mitigation measures

The contractor will judiciously limit vegetation clearing in the line corridor to avoid excessive and unnecessary loss of trees outside the line corridor.

7.2 WATER QUALITY AND QUANTITY IMPACTS

a) Impact identification Power line construction activities are not expected to require considerable quantities of water. Therefore impact on watercourses will relate to quality and arise from:

Contamination by construction activities Sediment deposition into surface watercourses

To avoid settlements and high compensation cost, the transmission line is located along fringes of swamps. Earthworks when constructing tower foundations in swamps or near streams might increase sediment load in watercourses, mainly around tower footings. Due to the steep site slope (> 7%), sediment may be deposited into Victoria Nile during construction of the substation at the dam site on the left bank in Nampanyi village. Sediment increase in watercourses will originate from construction activities but end upon completion of line construction. Localised alteration of watercourse hydrology will manifest at tower footings constructed in swamps and this will be long-term lasting for as long as the footings exist. Improper disposal of waste including human excreta during line construction poses a risk of surface water contamination, a negative but short-term and reversible environmental (and public health) impact. Construction of access roads to line route may cause soil erosion, sediment transport and deposition into swamps and streams. This impact will manifest during line construction. These negative impacts will occur during construction of the line and Isimba substation. The impact is short-term but of local spatial extent and reversible ceasing upon completion of construction activities.

Project phase when impact will occur Construction Operation √

b) Impact significance

The likelihood of these negative impacts occurring is high especially if soil erosion and sediment control measures are not instituted during line and substation construction. Impact severity is considered medium and significance moderate since most swamps along the line route are seasonal and encroached for farming. Additionally, the swamps are natural filters able to absorb large quantities of sediment in stormwater.

43 | P A G E

(-) Impact Likelihood

None Low Medium High

Impa

ct S

ever

ity Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible

Low Negligible Negligible Negligible – Minor Minor

Medium Negligible Minor Minor - Moderate Moderate

High Minor Moderate Major Major

Mitigation measures

The contractor will take due care to avoid excessive sediment migration into surface watercourses. No waste will be dumped in watercourses. Where sedimentation risk is high, sediment traps will be provided at tower and substation construction sites.

7.3 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL AMENITY IMPACTS

a) Impact identification The proposed power transmission line will be carried on visually imposing steel lattice towers. Due to their height, the towers will be visible from almost all locations near the power line, especially where the line goes over hills. However, for communities in rural areas or even trading centres, presence of the power line will be considered a sign of economic advancement and hope for a prosperous future. This outlook will turn the power line’s landscape blight into a less significant visual impact. Additionally, there are no tourism activities in all areas to be traversed by the proposed power line, which renders visual impact to be of low concern. The power line’s visual impact will manifest throughout its construction and become a permanent feature on the landscape after its construction.

Project phase when impact will occur Construction Operation √ √

b) Impact significance

The likelihood of visual impact occurring is certain i.e. high when the power line is constructed. Impact severity is considered medium and significance moderate since the line would be considered by many local communities as a sign of national economic development.

(-) Impact Likelihood

None Low Medium High

Impa

ct S

ever

ity Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible

Low Negligible Negligible Negligible – Minor Minor

Medium Negligible Minor Minor - Moderate Moderate

High Minor Moderate Major Major

Mitigation measures

Other than using lattice structures of matt finish hence low-glare, no mitigation measure is practical or feasible for this line route and communities traversed.

44 | P A G E

If there is no comparable cost difference, towers facing vegetated hill slopes should be pre-painted green to blend with their background while those on hilltop or hillsides should be grey to avoid visual contrast with the sky (see illustration in Figure 5 below). This mitigation should only be considered if there is no comparative cost difference from the conventional galvanised lattice types.

Figure 5: Illustration of tower color to mitigate visual impact

7.4 NOISE AND AIR QUALITY IMPACTS

a) Impact identification During power line construction, regulatory noise levels could temporarily be exceeded due to operation of project traffic and equipment. Corona or electrical discharges into the air are sometimes produced by high voltage power lines. Corona is sometimes visible on a humid night or during rain storms and can generate noise and ozone. Eventhough negative and long-term manifesting throughout the life of the power line, anticipated noise levels and ozone concentrations will be localized impacts with no health consequence. Project construction traffic will generate noise, exhaust emissions and road dust. Road dust would affect roadside retail shops, markets and dwellings, especially in trading centres. Air emissions from construction equipment and traffic will be localised, minor and of negligible impact on ambient air quality. All the foregoing are negative impacts and ones associated with line operation are long-term while construction phase effects are temporary and reversible because they cease upon completion of construction activities. Line maintenance traffic is not expected to cause noticeable air quality of noise pollution.

Project phase when impact will occur Construction Operation √ √

b) Impact significance

The likelihood of this impact occurring is high if the power line is constructed. If project vehicles are restricted to a speed limit of 40 kph through trading centres and communities, impact severity will be medium and therefore significance is predicted to be moderate.

(-) Impact Likelihood

None Low Medium High

Impa

ct S

ever

ity Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible

Low Negligible Negligible Negligible – Minor Minor

Medium Negligible Minor Minor - Moderate Moderate

High Minor Moderate Major Major

Illustration: AWE

45 | P A G E

Mitigation measures

Project vehicles will have a restricted speed limit of 40 kph through settlements and trading centres to minimise road dust.

Line construction workers will be provided appropriate safety gear for protection against excessive noise and dust emissions.

7.5 SOIL QUALITY IMPACTS

a) Impact identification During line construction, waste will be generated including packaging waste (paper, polyethene sheets, and wood pallets), metal scrap, wire cuttings, wooden planks, polyethene sheets, PET water bottles and waste oil from construction equipment or vehicles. Once improperly disposed of, some of this waste could contaminate soil at line construction sites. Although this impact will commonly be localised to tower footings, a power line length of 42 km potentially presents many contamination sites if due caution and pollution prevention measures are not considered. Comparatively, lesser waste quantities hence contamination is anticipated during line maintenance, which will happen only once in a while.

Project phase when impact will occur Construction Operation √ √

b) Impact significance

The likelihood of this impact occurring is medium based on experience with other line construction projects and when workers are sensitised about responsible litter control practices. Impact severity will be medium and therefore significance is predicted to be minor-moderate.

(-) Impact Likelihood

None Low Medium High

Impa

ct S

ever

ity Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible

Low Negligible Negligible Negligible – Minor Minor

Medium Negligible Minor Minor - Moderate Moderate

High Minor Moderate Major Major

Mitigation measures

Workers will be sensitised about responsible litter control and waste management practices. All waste generated at a given construction location will be collected in appropriate containers and

disposed of as required by NEMA guidelines.

7.6 CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS

a) Impact identification During line construction, vegetation will be cleared along access roads and stretches of the right of way to enable access by equipment and crews. Loss of biomass reduces skins necessary for carbon sequestration. Line maintenance during the operation phase will keep the RoW and wayleaves clear of trees taller than 2 meters. Each tree taller than 5 meters can absorb about 21 kg of carbondioxide annually. Not all stretches of the line will have tree cover but evidently loss of biomass is a negative effect in reducing carbondioxide levels in the atmosphere. Carbondioxide gas is greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming hence climate change. Biomass loss will be a negative and long-term regional and global impact (Note: exhaust emissions from

46 | P A G E

construction equipment would also contribute carbondioxide emissions but this would be short-term and comparatively insignificant).

Project phase when impact will occur Construction Operation √ √

b) Impact significance

The likelihood of this impact occurring is high since vegetation clearing is within the RoW and wayleaves is necessary and certain. Impact severity will be medium since not all sections of the powerline will lose biomass, therefore significance of climate change impact due to this 42 km power line is predicted to be minor-moderate on a national, regional or global scale.

(-) Impact Likelihood

None Low Medium High

Impa

ct S

ever

ity Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible

Low Negligible Negligible Negligible – Minor Minor

Medium Negligible Minor Minor - Moderate Moderate

High Minor Moderate Major Major

Mitigation recommendation

The transmission line company should consider adopting a proactive approach of being involved in reforestation programs, or supporting tree-planting as a compensatory measure for forest cover lost during in development of power transmission line projects.

.

47 | P A G E

8 DECOMMISSIONING IMPACTS The lifespan of the proposed transmission line is expected to be long (over 40-50 years) but at the end of its life, decommissioning will occur. Even with regular maintenance and replacement, some line project facilities will have a lifetime after which they may no longer be cost-effective to operate or maintain. During decommissioning, all transmission line structures and equipment would be dismantled and removed. Physical removal of the line and lattice towers will literary be a reversal of the construction process. Once corridor maintenance ceases, vegetation in the wayleaves regenerates to conditions in adjoining areas. Considering time to decommissioning, activities hereunder discussed could change due advance in technology or change in environmental legislation. Only at the time of decommissioning can comprehensive strategies be ascertained. At least two years prior to cessation of operations, a power line decommissioning plan shall be developed together with NEMA. This plan would identify specific actions and a schedule for decommissioning of the project, and identify procedures to restore the project area to acceptable conditions. The decommissioning plan would also provide measures to minimize impacts to surface water, groundwater, air quality and communities. There will be a programme of rehabilitation of land around the pylons including removal of foundations and access route in the right of way so as to restore compatibility with the surrounding environment and land use. It is not known whether land rights would be returned to landowners as part of the decommissioning process but this is a matter to be agreed between UETCL and landowners at the time of decommissioning. Nevertheless, it is expected that any reuse of the transmission servitude would need a separate environmental authorisation, and is thus outside the scope of this EIA. Disposal of materials from the decommissioned transmission line is not expected to pose high environmental risk since most of the material would be recyclable (steel structures, concrete debris and conductors/ wires) or inert (insulators, concrete debris, etc.). There are no hazardous wastes expected to be associated with the transmission decommissioning. Decommissioning will require contractors to undertake activities below, mitigate negative environmental impacts and manage health and safety risks. Tower removal Electrical system/ substation removal Restoration of right of way

These are explained below.

8.1 TRANSMISSION LINE REMOVAL

During decommissioning, transmission line structures and equipment would be dismantled and removed, and the wayleave allowed to rejuvenate to conditions similar to those adjoining the line corridor acceptable. Transmission line decommissioning will entail removal of conductors from lattice towers and demolishing the concrete tower footings. Recycling or reuse of materials, such as scrap metal, will depend on prevailing technology, demand and market. The maintenance/ inspection road in the power line’s RoW will be scarified and vegetation allowed to grow back as will be guided by NEMA and local authorities planning regulations.

8.2 FOUNDATION REMOVAL

When lattice towers are removed, their foundations will also be removed to enable landuse restoration. Hence reinforced concrete footings will be broken-up and removed to appropriate depth. It is expected that technology and opportunities will be in existence to recycle salvaged steel and concrete debris.

48 | P A G E

8.3 PUBLIC AND OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY

The power line will be completely de-energised before commencing disassembly. This will protect workers from electrocution. Decommissioning contractor(s) will have a responsibility to ensure public safety by keeping people away from risk areas. The public will also be protected from dust and noise exposure. i) Dust impacts: Temporary and localized dust plumes will be unavoidable during decommissioning especially from project vehicular traffic.

Mitigation: The contractor will water road section through trading centres and settlements to control dust, Vehicle speed will limited to 40 kph through trading centres and settlements.

ii) Noise impacts: Decommissioning activities, especially vehicle movement, will generate noise. 30-40 years from now when the national population has tripled, rural areas along the line route will be heavily inhabited and noise would affect residences and business receptors.

Mitigation:

Decommissioning activities will take place during day time. Through communications with the local communities, the contractor will be informed of any noise complaints and noise measurement undertaken along the project boundary and at the complaining receptor to ascertain the complaint. If the levels are found to be unsatisfactory, control measures will be implemented.

8.4 FIRE AND OIL SPILL PREVENTION

Fire will be prevented during decommissioning by ensuring that there is adequate availability of fire extinguishers onsite. Personnel undertaking equipment removal will be trained in fire fighting. In case of oil spills, all equipment and machines with potential of spilling or leaking oil and fuel will be checked regularly. If oil spills or leaks are discovered, then capping or any other necessary actions will be taken immediately

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9 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES 9.1 LINE ROUTE ALTERNATIVES AND REASONS FOR DISREGARDING THEM

It is planned that the transmission line will, to the extent possible, be near existing roads to enable easy access during construction and maintenance. Better roads are found on the western side (left bank) of Victoria Nile with a paved road running in a north-western direction from Bujagali hydropower dam. On the eastern river side (right bank), the road running in north-western direction is of a poorer condition and areas to be traversed have considerable subsistence farming. Line alternatives evaluated are shown in figure below.

Figure 6: Transmission line alternatives A1, A2, B1 and B2 (A1 is preferred)

9.1.1 LINE ALTERNATIVE A1 Starting at a substation of Bujagali HPP on the left bank of Victoria Nile, the power line will run towards a paved road in for a distance of approximately 50 meters. After 15 km, the line shall cross the road so as to avoid a big settlement on the western side. This bypass will be about 4 km long, before the line crosses again the country road and runs parallel to the road, reaching Angle Point 2 after 26 km from Bujagali HEP. The line leaves the main road and turns into a north-eastern direction to proposed Isimba dam site located 42 km from Bujagali HEP dam. The area to be crossed is slightly hilly farmland with some small swamps and settlements. Access to the tower locations is possible by existing roads. 9.1.2 LINE ALTERNATIVE A2 As a variation of Alternative A1, the line would run parallel to a paved road as long as possible to enable access during construction and maintenance. Starting at Bujagali HEP, the line route is identical with Alternative 1 for the first section. After 26 km, the line follows a country road for further 10 km bypassing a settlement and turning to a north-eastern direction parallel to a paved road in the direction towards proposed Isimba HEP site. After 12 km, the line turns to eastern direction reaching Isimba dam site after a total length of 55 km. 9.1.3 LINE ALTERNATIVE B1 Starting at Bujagali HEP substation on the western bank of Victoria Nile, the line will cross the river at an appropriate location downstream of the dam but towers with 500-600 meter span will be necessary. Reaching the eastern bank of the Victoria Nile, the line runs in north-eastern for a length of 3 km to a road which is in a fairly good condition but worse than one on the western side of the river. The line would then cross the road reaching a settlement after 22 km from Bujagal HEP dam. The new substation at Isimba shall be located on the eastern side of the river (right bank) to avoid a second river crossing. For this option, the line length would be 40 kilometers.

Proposed Isimba hydropower dam

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9.1.4 LINE ALTERNATIVE B2 This alternative is a minor modification of Alternative B1, removing a sharp elbow near to Isimba dam thereby reducing overall line length (in Alternative B1) by 2 km. The line length in this option is therefore 38 km. In selecting the preferred route, the following aspects were considered:

a) access facilities b) soil conditions c) crossing highly populated areas d) crossings over main roads and rivers e) overall line length

Tables below give an overview of routes evaluation, and how the final choice was reached.

Table 5: Key attributes of alternative transmission line routes

Aspect Routes alternatives A1 A2 B1 B2

Access Good Good Acceptable Acceptable Soil conditions Normal Normal Normal Normal Settlements Traverses 2

populated settlements twice; normal along roads and rivers

Traverses 4 populated settlements; normal along roads and rivers

Crosses intense subsistence farming areas

Crosses intense subsistence farming areas

Farmland Normal Normal Crosses intense subsistence farming areas

Crosses intense subsistence farming areas

Road and river crossings Crosses road twice Crosses road twice -Crosses road twice -Crosses River Nile

-Crosses road twice -Crosses River Nile

Line length (km) 42 55 40 38 Using scores for each alternative as shown in Table 6, the line routes can be evaluated as provided in Table 7.

Table 6: Scores assigned to each impact level

Score -3 -2 -1 0 +1 +2 +3 Impact Level Large

negative Moderate negative

Low negative

Insignificant Medium positive

medium positive

Large positive

Utilizing above scoring a quantitative evaluation of the four transmission line routes is presented in Table below.

Table 7: Evaluation of alternative line routes

Aspect Routes alternatives A1 A2 B1 B2

Access 1 2 2 2 Soil conditions 2 2 2 2 Settlements -1 -2 -3 -3 Farmland 0 0 -1 -1 Road and river crossings 0 0 -2 -2 Line length (km) 1 -1 1 1 Ranking 3 1 -1 -1

Table 7 above shows line route A1 being of highest ranking hence preference and reasons are:

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Alternatives B1 and B2 have the disadvantage of crossing the River Nile (Victoria Nile) for spans of about 600 meters which necessitate special towers (with a total height of up to 75 m), special foundations and insulator strings. It is estimated that the increased expenses for such a crossing will not compensate the savings due to the shorter line length on these two alternatives.

Alternatives B1 and B2 traverse areas with considerable settlements and farmland implying higher resettlement cost and thus higher line cost per kilometer.

Although there are similar access conditions for all four line route alternatives, A2 scores low due to having the longest line length. Additionally it traverses four high populated areas implying an increase of angle points, hence high line cost.

Alternative A1 scores highest and is the preferred route because access conditions are better than for all other options, bigger settlements can be easily avoided, road crossings are not a major problem and other conditions (settlements, farmland, smaller rivers) are not so significant demerits on this route. Besides, its length of 42 km is competitive in relation to other alternatives that do not have above-mentioned merits.

9.2 NO PROJECT SCENARIO

It is known that power to be generated by Isimba hydropower dam would considerably increase the nation’s installed capacity of a renewable and cheaper to generate energy supply. Without this project, up to 180 MW of electrical supply would be forfeited on the national grid. This would certainly mean longer than planned reliance on expensive emergency thermal power plants and increased load shedding with significant adverse effect on national economic development. This powerline is essential to evacuate power generated form the dam to the national grid.

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10 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN Monitoring is necessary to avoid negative effects during construction and operation of the proposed project and achieve sustained environmental compliance. Details of the recommended environmental monitoring plan (EMP) are presented in Table 9.1. Since social impacts were assessed and documented in a separate study (Social Impact Assessment) focus of the EMP is limited to only environmental impacts. In the EMP, the proposed timeframe for monitoring every environmental issue or impact is given in the same cell as the individual to collect monitoring information. The estimated cost (for both the monitoring process and corrective measures) is given in the same cell as the proposed method/tool(s) to be used. However, since some of the mitigation measures are to be executed during the construction phase, the contractor will have to incorporate exact cost estimates into the construction financial proposal. In addition, as part of contractual obligations or procurement requirements, the contractor should prepare management plans for: a) Traffic management around during line construction b) Waste management during construction c) Measures for pollution prevention at workers camps and constriction locations d) Hazardous materials management at workers camps and constriction locations

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Table 8: Environmental Monitoring Plan

Issue to Monitor

Indicator(s)

Data collection and Reporting

Use of data

Training or orientation required

Who collects **Timeframe

Who checks, Counter-checks

Method(s), Tools **Cost (UgShs)

Who acts, **Action

Referral (if action cannot be taken)

1

EXCESSIVE STRIPPING OF VEGETATION ALONG LINE ROUTE AND AT SUBSTATION SITE

Wide areas stripped of vegetation on site. Dust plumes from cleared areas.

Site Supervisor **Throughout the site preparation period.

Site Engineer UETCL’s site agent NEMA, District Environment Officers (DEO).

Visual observation. **Facilitation of USD 12000 for but districts for monthly monitoring for 2 years.

Site engineer ** Ensure that only areas to be constructed on are stripped of vegetative cover.

UETCL’s Project Manager. District Environment Officer.

Provide key site personnel with mitigation measures of this EIA report.

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Issue to Monitor

Indicator(s)

Data collection and Reporting

Use of data

Training or Orientation

Who collects **Timeframe

Who checks, Counter- checks

Method(s), Tools **Cost

Who acts, **Action

Referral (if action cannot be taken)

2

SOIL EROSION AND DEPOSITION OF OVERBURDEN IN SWAMPS, RIVERS AND STREAMS

Overburden dumped close to banks of the watercourses.

Site foremen **Throughout the construction period but emphasis in the site clearing phase.

Site supervisor NEMA, District Environment Officers (DEO) of Kamuli and Kayunga Districts.

Visual observation **Provided for in above monthly monitoring cost for 2 years.

Site Engineer.

** Demarcate overburden deposition area.

UETCL’s site agent.

Erosion control measures on construction sites. Ensure construction crew is ecologically aware and responsible.

3

RESPONSIBLE CONSTRUCTION WASTE MANAGEMENT

Improper construction waste management practices observed on site throughout construction of the power line and substation. Containers for construction waste collection provided.

Site foremen **Throughout construction period.

Site supervisor NEMA, District Environment Officers (DEO).

Visual Inspection **Provided for in above monthly monitoring cost for 2 years.

Site Engineer ** Provide containers for construction waste collection and storage.

UETCL’s site agent/ supervising engineer.

Possible problems of improper waste management. Costs incurred from wasted material.

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Issue to Monitor

Indicator(s)

Data collection and Reporting

Use of data

Training

Who collects **Timeframe

Who checks, Counter- checks

Method(s), Tools **Cost

Who acts, **Action

Referral (if action cannot be taken)

4

CONTAMINATION OF WATERCOURSES

Excessive deposition of gravel in swamp at tower foundation sites. Waste dumped in watercourses.

Site supervisor **Throughout the line construction period.

Site Engineer NEMA, District Environment Officer (DEO), Wetlands Management Department-WMD.

Visual inspection **Facilitation – USD 3000 for one year’s monitoring by WMD of line sections through swamps.

Contractor ** Minimise deposition of gravel, limiting quantities to the bare necessary.

UETCL’s Project Manager.

--

5

WASTE MANAGEMENT DURING LINE MAINTENANCE

All waste is properly collected stored and transported offsite.

UETCL **Throughout line operation life.

UETCL NEMA, District Environment Officer (DEO).

Visual inspection.

UETCL. **Ensure contractors do not litter along line during maintenance

District Environment Officer.

Importance of proper solid waste management. Methods of waste handling.

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Issue to Monitor

Indicator(s)

Data collection and Reporting

Use of data

Training

Who collects **Timeframe

Who checks, Counter- checks

Method(s), Tools **Cost

Who acts, **Action

Referral (if action cannot be taken)

NOISE AND AIR QUALITY IMPACTS

Community complaints about excessive noise or dust emissions.

Local leaders **Throughout line construction.

Project Manager

Visual observation. Measurement of dust and noise are complainant receptors **USD 8000: one time purchase of noise meter and dust meter for environmental monitoring.

UETCL ** Ensure contractor complies with noise and dust control measures in EIA.

-- None

Total cost (USD) 33000

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ANNEX A: RECORD OF STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION A) KAYUNGA DISTRICT CONSULTATIONS Meeting 1: Purpose of meeting: To obtain their views on the proposed project. Date held & place: 30th March, 2011, Bugavu LCI village (Kayunga District) Consultant team: Faith Mugerwa Sociologist (AWE)

Kalyango Richard Issues raised: On Compensation • Q: Does government have any special way of helping the vulnerable during the

time of compensation? • A: The local leaders can help the vulnerable to get their payment. • Q: Does government compensate before the project starts? • A: Yes. • A: During compensation is the disturbance allowance given to the land lord? • A: No, disturbance allowance is the percentage given to the PAP on top of the

total amount of money valued from his property or land.

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Meeting 2: Purpose of meeting: To obtain their views on the proposed project. Date held & place: 30th March, 2011 Bukamba B village (Kayunga District) Present: Faith Mugerwa Sociologist (AWE)

Kalyango Richard Issues raised: On Compensation • Q: If the house of the PAP is in the way leave do they have to relocate?

• A: Yes, these houses will be compensated and the PAP will be asked to relocate. • Q: If 50 acres of my land is going to be taken, how does government measure and

compensate? • A: The valuers measure the land and compensation is done according to the

market price of the land in that area. • Q: If a PAP has land in a wetland is compensation done the same as one in

upland? • A: This is all determined by the market price in that area. • Q: If the PAP has one acre of land, is the government going to compensate the

real value of the land? • A: Yes, government pays the real value. • Q: If the government is going to pay the Kibanja owner for example 20m, can’t the

land lord sabotage the payment? • A: No the land lord cannot sabotage the payment, during compensation, the

Kibanja owner has a percentage of payment and the land lord too. On the project • Q: Where is the line coming from?

• A: The line will come from Nampanyi in Kayunga District to Bujagali. • Q: If the transmission line is passing through our trading centers, are PAPs going

to relocate? • A: The project tries as much as possible to avoid displacements of many

households but in case it happens, the PAPs are compensated and they relocate to other places.

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Meeting 3: Purpose of meeting: To obtain their views on the proposed project. Date held & place: 1st April, 2011 Bukamba A and Kiswa villages (Kayunga District) Present: Faith Mugerwa Sociologist (AWE)

Kalyango Richard Issues raised: On Compensation • Q: Does government compensate for earth graves and cemented graves the same

way? • A: No, the cemented graves get a higher compensation. • Q: If the PAP has different affected plots of land in more than one village does

government compensate all of them? • A: Yes.

On the project • Q: How many lines are going to pass in our area? • A: It is only one line and that is the transmission line.

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Meeting 4: Purpose of meeting: To obtain their views on the proposed project. Date held & place: 1st April, 2011 Namirembe village (Kayunga District) Present: Faith Mugerwa Sociologist (AWE)

Kalyango Richard Issues raised: On Compensation • Q: Is compensation done before the project starts?

• Yes. • How will the surveyors be able to get the names of the PAPs in their absence? • A: They will have to move with the local leaders for verification of these names. • Q: If the graves fall within the 12.5m reserve will the government require the PAP

to remove them? • A: Yes, these graves are compensated and removed.

On the project • Q: Does the government require the PAP to remove their crops immediately after surveying and valuing them?

• A: No, time will be given to the PAP to harvest these crops. Q: Is there an option for the government to build for me my house?

• A: There will be an option for the PAPs to get cash compensation or build for them houses

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Meeting 5: Purpose of meeting: To obtain their views on the proposed project. Date held & place: 2nd April, 2011 Gayaza A village (Kayunga District) Present: Faith Mugerwa Sociologist (AWE)

Kalyango Richard Issues raised: On Compensation • Q: Will the government compensate for the 12.5m on both sides?

• A: Yes. • Q: How will the government compensate a PAP without a bank account? • A: Government will require every PAP to get an account in a recognized bank. • Q: Does government compensate the Kibanja owner and the land Lord too? • A: Yes, the Kibanja owner gets 70% and land lord gets 30% of the total amount.

On the project • Q: Is the line going to pass through Gayaza village? • A: Yes. • Q: Why doesn’t the project build houses for the PAPs? • A: There will be an option for the PAPs to get cash compensation or build for them

houses.

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Meeting 6: Purpose of meeting: To obtain their views on the proposed project. Date held & place: 2nd April, 2011 Kirimantungo village (Kayunga District) Present: Faith Mugerwa Sociologist (AWE)

Kalyango Richard Issues raised: On Compensation • Q: Does government compensate for graves?

• A: Yes. • If the PAP has a plot of land and the remaining is enough to build another house

there is it allowed? • A: Yes. • Does the government compensate a person without a bank account? • A: No, the government will require every PAP to acquire a bank account.

On employment • Will the government consider employment for men only? • No, even the women will be considered provided they have they qualify for the job.

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Meeting 7: Purpose of meeting: To obtain their views on the proposed project. Date held & place: 2nd April, 2011 Kotwe LC village (Kayunga District) Present: Faith Mugerwa Sociologist (AWE)

Kalyango Richard Issues raised: On Project • Q: Is the PAP allowed to perform any activities in the 30m corridor?

• A: No. • Will the 30m corridor be more expensive than the remaining 12.5m on either side? • Yes.

On Compensation • Q: Is the Kibanja owner compensated more than the land lord? • A: The Kibanja owner gets 70% and the land lord 30% of the total amount.

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Meeting 8: Purpose of meeting: To obtain their views on the proposed project. Date held & place: 5th April, 2011 Salaama and Kilemezi A villages (Kayunga District) Present: Faith Mugerwa Sociologist (AWE)

Kalyango Richard Issues raised: On Project • If the PAPs house happens to be in the 30m corridor, is the PAP paid and they

relocate elsewhere? • A: Yes.

On Compensation • Q: Is the Kibanja owner compensated more than the land lord? • A: The Kibanja owner gets 70% and the land lord 30% of the total amount. • Q: Will compensation be done before the actual project starts? • A: Yes. • Q: Does the government value old iron sheets? • A: Yes. • Q: Who determines prices for crops? • A: The District Land Board for that particular district.

On Employment • Q: Will government consider employment for the locals? • A: Yes, the government considers the locals for casual jobs.

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Meeting 9: Purpose of meeting: To obtain their views on the proposed project. Date held & place: 5th April, 2011 Kilemezi B village (Kayunga District) Present: Faith Mugerwa Sociologist (AWE)

Kalyango Richard Issues raised: On Project • Q: Will the people in the villages where the Transmission line will pass be able to

tap electricity? • A: No, this electricity is not for home consumption. • Q: When will the project start? • A: The project has stages of development so the surveyors and valuers are

already underway. On Compensation • Q: Will government compensate before the actual road project?

• A: Yes. • Q: Will the government compensate for all the property that is destroyed? • A: Yes, apart from annual crops that are given time to be compensated. • Q: Is it okay to fill in the form for the PAP if they are absent? • A: Yes, a relative to the PAP can help to fill in this form.

On Employment • Q: Will government consider employment for the locals? • A: Yes, the government considers the locals for casual jobs.

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Meeting 10: Purpose of meeting: To obtain their views on the proposed project. Date held & place: 6th April, 2011 Natteta village (Kayunga District) Present: Faith Mugerwa Sociologist (AWE)

Kalyango Richard Issues raised: On Project • Q: Will the people in the villages where the Transmission line will pass be able to

tap electricity? • A: No, this electricity is not for home consumption it will be taken to the substation

first and then brought back for people to use. • Q: When will the project start? • A: The project has stages of development so the surveyors and valuers are

already underway. On Compensation • Q: Will the government compensate a PAP without a land title?

• A: No, the government requires the PAP to prove ownership of the land before compensation is done.

• Q: Does government compensate the Kibanja owner? • A: Yes. • Q: Who determines the prices of crops for the PAPs? • A: The District Land Board for the project affected district. • Q: Why aren’t the PAPs availed with the compensation rates? • A: The leaders in these areas can get for the PAPs these rates.

On Employment • Q: Will government consider employment for the locals? • A: Yes, the government considers the locals for casual jobs.

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Meeting 11: Purpose of meeting: To obtain their views on the proposed project. Date held & place: 6th April, 2011 Kiribedda and Nakatovu villages (Kayunga District) Present: Faith Mugerwa Sociologist (AWE)

Kalyango Richard Issues raised: On Project • Q: Can one plant coffee in the 30m corridor?

• A: No. • Q: Will the people in the villages where the Transmission line will pass be able to

tap electricity? • A: No, this electricity is not for home consumption it will be taken to the substation

first and then brought back for people to use. • Q: When will the project start?

A: The project has stages of development so the surveyors and valuers are already underway.

• The people should be notified of areas where the line will pass because they owners of the land might maliciously sell them land that is already affected.

On compensation • Q: Where can the PAP report their queries in case they are not satisfied with the compensation?

• A: They can report to the local leaders. • Q: What is the percentage of the Kibanja owner and the land lord? • A: The Kibanja owner will take 70% and the land lord 30%.

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Meeting 12: Purpose of meeting: To obtain their views on the proposed project. Date held & place: 6th April, 2011 Kisegga, Kakande and Kibwa villages (Kayunga District) Present: Faith Mugerwa Sociologist (AWE)

Kalyango Richard Issues raised: On Land • Q: Land prices differ from villages to villages so a PAP might be given little money

to buy land elsewhere? • A: The PAP is expected to buy land within the same range of the money that they

are compensated. On Project • Q: Will the community in the project affected areas be able to tap electricity?

• A: No, people will not be able to tap power from the transmission line but it will be stepped down and then brought back to the communities.

• Q: When is the project starting? • A: The project has stages of development so the surveyors and valuers are

already underway On compensation • Q: How does government compensate the deceased?

• A: The family has to get a relative approved by the district administration to be paid on behalf of the rest.

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Meeting 13: Purpose of meeting: To obtain their views on the proposed project. Date held & place: 7th April, 2011 Kitabazi and Kiwalasi villages (Kayunga District) Present: Faith Mugerwa Sociologist (AWE)

Kalyango Richard Issues raised: On Land • Q: Where is the line passing?

• A: The surveyors will be able to identify these areas. • Q: Does government consider any wealth that the person would have

underground? • A:No

On public utilities • Q: Will the contractors reinstate the public utilities like boreholes, spring wells if they are destroyed during compensation?

• A: It is the responsibility of the contractors to reinstate everything that will be destroyed during that time.

On compensation • Q: Won’t the government pay less money to the PAPs for their property? • A: No. • Q: Does the government consider land in swampy areas?

On Employment • Q: Will government consider employment for the locals? • A: Yes, there will be casual jobs for the locals.

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Meeting 14: Purpose of meeting: To obtain their views on the proposed project. Date held & place: 7th April, 2011 Nakabiri, Kasambya, Bukasa and Namakandwa villages (Kayunga District) Present: Faith Mugerwa Sociologist (AWE)

Kalyango Richard Issues raised: On the project • Q: Is the PAP allowed to take materials from their house after compensation?

• A: Yes. • Q: When will the project start?

A: The project has stages of development so the surveyors and valuers are already underway

• Q: How will one know that they are among the PAPs? • A: This will be after the PAP has surveyed their land and they will be required to fill

in some form. • Q: If ones land is affected and the remaining is too little to perform any activity

there. Can the government compensate all of it? • A: Yes, the government compensates all of it and the PAP relocates elsewhere. • Q: Will the community in the project affected areas be able to tap electricity? • A: No, people will not be able to tap power from the transmission line but it will be

stepped down and then brought back to the communities. On employment • The casual laborers for Bujagali- Tororo project had to bribe their way to get jobs.

We hope it will not be the same case here.

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Meeting 15: Purpose of meeting: To obtain their views on the proposed project. Date held & place: 7th April, 2011 Kamuli village (Kayunga District) Present: Faith Mugerwa Sociologist (AWE)

Kalyango Richard Issues raised: On the project • Q: Won’t the transmission lines affect the people who live near them?

• A: No. • Q: Will the community be able to get power form the transmission line? • A: No, this power is not for home consumption but it will later be brought back for

people for consumption. On compensation • Q: Does the government compensate the PAP without an account in the bank?

• A: No, the PAP will be required to open up an account in any recognized bank. On employment • Q: Will the contractors consider casual work for the locals?

• A: Yes, the locals will be considered for casual jobs.

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Meeting 16: Purpose of meeting: To obtain their views on the proposed project. Date held & place: 7th April, 2011 Bukeka, Mirembe, Maligitta villages (Kayunga District) Present: Faith Mugerwa Sociologist (AWE)

Kalyango Richard Issues raised: On the project • Q: When will the project start?

• A: The project has stages of development so the surveyors and valuers are already underway

• Q: When will the PAPs be required to vacate their premises? • A: That will be after compensation and also given some time to prepare. • Q: How far will the transmission line be from the main road? • A: This will be verified after the survey is done. • Q: Will the community be able to get power from the transmission line? • A: No, this power is not for home consumption but it will later be brought back for

people to use. • Q: Will the contractors reinstate the public utilities like boreholes, spring wells if

they are destroyed during the line construction? • It is the responsibility of the contractors to reinstate everything that will be

destroyed during that time. On compensation • Q: Will government compensate PAPs with small pieces of land?

• A: Yes. • Will government compensate for land without any property? • A: Yes. • Q: Is titled land and public land compensated the same way? • A: No, titled land gets higher compensation.

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B) BUIKWE DISTRICT CONSULTATION RECORDS Meeting 17: Purpose of meeting: To obtain their views on the proposed project. Date held & place: 9th April, 2011 Kirugu Arimansi village (Buikwe District) Present: Faith Mugerwa Sociologist (AWE)

Kalyango Richard Issues raised: On the project • Q: There are some men who came and dug holes in our areas without our

permission are they part of your team? • A: No, these are geologists that had come to test soil conditions for the powerline

tower foundations. • Q: When will the survey work start? • A: The surveyors are already underway.

On compensation • Q: Will government compensate for land without any property? • A: Yes. • Q: Does government compensate for annual crops? • A: No, government does not compensate for such crops because the PAPs are

given time to harvest them. On graves • Q: How will valuers be able to identify earth graves for the deceased?

• A: The valuers will move with the local leaders and they will help in the identification of these graves.

On Employment • Q: Will the project provide any opportunity for the locals? • A: Yes, the locals will be given casual work in this project.

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Meeting 18: Purpose of meeting: To obtain their views on the proposed project. Date held & place: 9th April, 2011 Kirugu Wakikora villages (Buikwe District) Present: Faith Mugerwa Sociologist (AWE)

Kalyango Richard Issues raised: On compensation • Q: In case the PAP loses a relative after valuing the graves? Does

government still compensate for this grave? • A: No. • Q: Does government compensate for property on land? • A: Government compensates both for the land and also the property on it. • Q: If A PAP planted trees and hopes to gain from them income over a period

of time, does government consider this when compensating? • A: No, government pays for the lost property “as is” it doesn’t consider

speculation. • Q: Does government compensate for titled and untitled land the same way? • A: No, titled land gets a higher compensation.

On project • Contractors should consider the people who live within the affected areas to take on the casual jobs.

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Meeting 19: Purpose of meeting: To obtain their views on the proposed project. Date held & place: 9th April, 2011 Wakikora, Wakisi II, Wakisi market (Buikwe District) Present: Faith Mugerwa Sociologist (AWE)

Kalyango Richard Issues raised: On compensation • Q: During valuation of the PAPs, will the government consider the wealth that is

underground? • A: No, government does not pay for anything that is underground. • Q: Does the property belong to the PAP even after compensation? • A: Yes. • Q: If a PAP was given a plot of land (thus didn’t buy for it) who would government

compensate? • A: The person who provides proof of ownership • Q: Will Government compensate before the project starts? • A: Yes.

On project • During the Bujagali –Tororo transmission line, there was stone quarrying that damaged our houses and we have not been compensated for that, we hope that this project is not to affect us in the same way.

On employment • Q: Will the casual jobs be available for the people in Buikwe? • A: Yes, there will be casual jobs for the people.

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Meeting 20: Purpose of meeting: To obtain their views on the proposed project. Date held & place: 9th April, 2011 Kikubamutwe, Nankwanga villages (Buikwe District) Present: Faith Mugerwa Sociologist (AWE)

Kalyango Richard Issues raised: On compensation • Q: If the PAP has a piece of land and was planning to build a school, does

government consider this during compensation? • A: No, government pays for the lost property “as is” it doesn’t consider

speculation. • Q: Does government compensate for both PAPs who share the 5m way leave? • A: Yes • Q: Why doesn’t government compensate for annual crops? • A: Time is given for annual crops to be harvested. • Q: Does government compensate the Kibanja owner and the land lord the same

way? • A: No, the Kibanja owner is compensated 70% of the lost property and the land

lord gets 30% On project • Q: How many watts will the dam have?

• A: It is still under design. On employment • We request for some employment for our locals in this area.

101 | P A G E

ANNEX B: BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT ALONG LINE ROUTE

See Table B.1

102 | P A G E

Table B.1: Summary results of bird counts along the proposed Isimba HPP transimission line.

(Note: Average results from ten counts at Bujagali are also included. Species present in the area of a count but not recorded in the count itself, are shown in 'P', whilst 'L' indicates informants from local information. A1 to A7 are farmland sites, V1 - V3 are valleys; = mean)

Spec

ies ca

tegor

iesa

Site

s

AGRICULTURAL (small holders farmers) VALLEYBOTTOMS

A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 V1 V2 V3

Obs.

BUJA

GALI

mean

Tran

smiss

ion lin

e line

mea

n

DEP,

RK

DEP,

RK

DEP,

RK

DEP,

RK

DEP,

RK

DEP,

RK

DEP,

RK

DEP,

RK

DEP,

RK

DEP,

RK

Tim

e

0655

0810

0915

1050

1200

1515

0915

1215

1040

1350

Date

(d

/m/y)

15.08

.11

15.08

.11

15.08

.11

15.08

.11

15.08

.11

14.08

.11

14.08

.11

14.08

.11

14.08

.11

14.08

.11

ATLAS No. SPECIES NAMEb 17 CATTLE EGRET Bubulcus ibis 32 G 1.8 0.4 3 6 6 2 4.7 26 BLACK-HEADED HERON Ardea melanocephala 27 w 0.1 1.4 P 5 5 2 1 1.0 28 HAMERKOP Scopus umbretta 42 w 0.7 5 30 AFRICAN OPEN-BILLED STORK Anastomus lamelligerus 43 A,w,G P P 36 MARABOU STORK Leptoptilos crumeniferus 49 w 0.1 39 HADADA Bostrychia hagedash 51 w 1.6 1.7 6 3 3 1 6 P 2.3 75 BLACK KITE Milvus migrans 138 p,A 2.5 0.4 3 P 73 BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE Elanus caeruleus 142 G P P P P 77 PALM-NUT VULTURE Gypohierax angolensis 84 0.4 90 HARRIER HAWK Polyboroides typus 96 f 1.5 P P 6 2.0 98 AFRICAN GOSHAWK Accipiter tachiro 111 F 0.4 100 SHIKRA Accipiter badius 102 f 2.5 0.3 2 109 LIZARD BUZZARD Kaupifalco monogrammicus 129 f 1.1 1.7 3 3 1 5 P 2 0.2 117 WAHLBERG'S EAGLE Aquila wahlbergi 118 A,f 1.1 1.3 3 6 120 BOOTED EAGLE Hieraaetus pennatus 127 P 0.6 122 LONG-CRESTED EAGLE Lophaetus occipitalis 130 f 0.4 P 3 P P 3 1.0 132 GREY KESTREL Falco ardosiaceus 147 0.6 136 EURASIAN HOBBY Falco subbuteo 160 P 0.2 268 AFRICAN GREEN PIGEON Treron calva 358 F 2.4 5 6 6 P 270 TAMBOURINE DOVE Turtur tympanistria 357 F 1.2 3.0 5 6 4 6 6 2.0 271 BLUE-SPOTTED WOOD DOVE Turtur afer 355 f 3.8 3.9 5 6 5 4 5 2 6 2.0 282 FERAL PIGEON Columba livia 342 0.4 283 RED-EYED DOVE Streptopelia semitorquata 350 f 3.9 4.3 4 6 5 2 2 5 6 4 1.3 289 LAUGHING DOVE Streptopelia senegalensis 351 0.4 0.4 2 1 6 4 3.3 290 GREY PARROT Psittacus erithacus 371 R-NT,FF 0.1 0.4 5 P P 292 BROWN PARROT Poicephalus meyeri 367 0.8 1.3 3 6 302 ROSS'S TURACO Musophaga rossae 377 F 2.0 0.6 4 305 EASTERN GREY PLANTAIN EATER Crinifer zonurus 376 4.6 5.3 3 6 6 6 4 6 6 2 P 0.2 309 RED-CHESTED CUCKOO Cuculus solitarius 399 A,F 2 0.7 319 KLAAS' CUCKOO Chrysococcyx klaas 391 f 0.1 0.9 6 323 WHITE-BROWED COUCAL Centropus superciliosus 406 0.5 0.3 2 331 SPOTTED EAGLE-OWL Bubo africanus 412 - L L 333 VERREAUX'S EAGLE-OWL Bubo lacteus 414 - L L L 338 AFRICAN WOOD OWL Strix woodfordii 416 F - L L 341 SWAMP NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus natalensis 434 w,G 1 0.3 352 STANDARD-WINGED NIGHTJAR Macrodipteryx longipennis 440 A - L L L 358 PALM SWIFT Cypsiurus parvus 452 Ae 1.3 363 WHITE-RUMPED SWIFT Apus caffer 447 Ae P P 365 LITTLE SWIFT Apus affinis 443 Ae 0.8 369 SPECKLED MOUSEBIRD Colius striatus 459 2.4 2.0 P 2 2 5 5 P 6 4 4 4.7 375 WOODLAND KINGFISHER Halcyon senegalensis 475 A 1.7 4 6 2 P P 376 STRIPED KINGFISHER Halcyon chelicuti 472 0.1 P 1 P P 378 PYGMY KINGFISHER Ceyx picta 478 f,w P P 7 390 WHITE-THROATED BEE-EATER Merops albicollis 479 A,f,Ae 6 2.0 401 BROAD-BILLED ROLLER Eurystomus glaucurus 500 A,f,w 0.3 2 P P 418 AFRICAN PIED HORNBILL Tockus fasciatus 519 F P P 419 CROWNED HORNBILL Tockus alboterminatus 515 f 0.4

422 BLACK AND WHITE CASQUED HORNBILL Ceratogymna subcylindricus 513 F 1.2 0.7 P 5

431 YELLOW-RUMPED TINKERBIRD Pogoniulus bilineatus 548 F 1.5 1.3 2 2 5 433 YELLOW-FRONTED TINKERBIRD Pogoniulus chrysoconus 549 f 3.1 2.4 1 P 6 6 4 6 2.0 437 SPOT-FLANKED BARBET Tricholaema lachrymosa 539 R-RR 0.7 4 P P P P

443 DOUBLE-TOOTHED BARBET Lybius bidentatus 534 f 0.4 0.9 2 P 1 3

456 LESSER HONEYGUIDE Indicator minor 566 f 0.7

473 CARDINAL WOODPECKER Dendropicos fuscescens 585 0.4 3 477 GREY WOODPECKER Dendropicos goertae 590 f 0.1 0.1 1 4 1.3 498 WHITE-HEADED ROUGHWING Psalidoprocne albiceps 639 R-RR,f,Ae 1.3 P 2 5 2 P 6 2.0 500 SAND MARTIN Riparia riparia 643 P,W,Ae 0.3 512 ANGOLA SWALLOW Hirundo angolensis 627 w,Ae 2.1 0.7 5 P 6 2 2.7 513 EURASIAN SWALLOW Hirundo rustica 634 P,w,Ae 0.3 515 YELLOW WAGTAIL Motacilla flava 996 Pw,G 0.4 522 GRASSLAND PIPIT Anthus novaeseelandiae 981 G P P 529 YELLOW-THROATED LONGCLAW Macronyx croceus 988 G 2 5 2.3

103 | P A G E

538 LITTLE GREENBUL Andropadus virens 705 F 0.7 5 562 COMMON BULBUL Pycnonotus barbatus 732 f 5.9 6.0 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6.0 566 FOREST ROBIN Stiphrornis erythrothorax 789 FF P P 576 WHITE-BROWED ROBIN CHAT Cossypha heuglini 751 f 0.7 1.1 4 4 P 612 AFRICAN THRUSH Turdus pelios 801 f 3.5 2.4 6 2 5 6 P 621 AFRICAN MOUSTACHED WARBLER Melocichla mentalis 915 0.3 2 5 1.7 638 RED-FACED CISTICOLA Cisticola erythrops 857 w 2.3 2.7 5 4 4 6 6 6 6 6.0 647 WINDING CISTICOLA Cisticola galactotes 860 w 2 4 6 4.7 650 CROAKING CISTICOLA Cisticola natalensis 866 G 6 2.0 658 TAWNY-FLANKED PRINIA Prinia subflava 913 fw 4.1 3.9 6 6 5 5 5 6 6 4.0 662 WHITE-CHINNED PRINIA Schistolais leucopogon 911 F P P 677 GREY-BACKED CAMAROPTERA Camaroptera brachyura 837 f 5.6 5.1 6 6 3 6 3 6 6 4 5 3.0 691 RED-FACED CROMBEC Sylvietta whytii 925 f 0.3 0.7 5 695 WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus trochilus 908 P,f 0.1 701 GREY-CAPPED WARBLER Eminia lepida 875 fw 1.3 4 5 6 2.0 707 YELLOW-BELLIED HYLIOTA Hyliota flavigaster 891 F 0.1 1 713 BLACK FLYCATCHER Melaenornis edoliodides 934 2.0 0.6 P P 3 P 1 732 BLUE FLYCATCHER Elminia longicauda 963 f 1.6 1.9 4 2 1 1 2 3 P 739 PARADISE FLYCATCHER Terpsiphone viridis 968 f 0.3 1.9 5 4 4

740 RED-BELLIED PARADISE FLYCATCHER Terpsiphone rufiventer 967 F 0.2

742 BLACK AND WHITE FLYCATCHER Bias musicus 955 f 2.0 746 WATTLE-EYE Platysteira cyanea 960 f 4.4 2.3 6 4 1 1 4 P P 761 BROWN BABBLER Turdoides plebejus 684 0.6 771 BLACK TIT Parus leucomelas 666 f 0.4 781 GREEN-HEADED SUNBIRD Cyanomitra verticalis 1130 F 1.3 0.3 P P 2 785 GREEN-THROATED SUNBIRD Chalcomitra rubescens 1120 F 0.3 787 SCARLET-CHESTED SUNBIRD Chalcomitra senegalensis 1122 f 3.7 3.1 2 3 P 1 6 6 4 3 5 2.7 794 COLLARED SUNBIRD Hedydipna collaris 1080 F 1.3 P 1 5 2 796 OLIVE-BELLIED SUNBIRD Cinnyris chloropygia 1094 F 0.5 1.7 1 3 4 4 802 MARIQUA SUNBIRD Cinnyris mariquensis 1107 1.3 1.4 2 3 3 2 4 2.0 803 RED-CHESTED SUNBIRD Cinnyris erythrocerca 1098 R-RR, W 4.6 1.3 6 P 3 5 6 3.7 808 VARIABLE SUNBIRD Cinnyris venusta 1128 f 2.5 2.0 6 4 6 5 5 3 2.7 810 COPPER SUNBIRD Cinnyris cuprea 1096 fw 0.6 0.7 P P 5 5 1 2.0 811 YELLOW WHITE-EYE Zosterops senegalensis 1133 f 3.6 4.4 6 2 5 6 6 6 P P P 815 GREY-BACKED FISCAL Lanius excubitoroides 1032 A,f,w 1 0.3

828 SULPHUR-BREASTED BUSH-SHRIKE Malaconotus sulfureopectus 1019 f

0.2 1 0.3

830 MARSH TCHAGRA Antichromus minutus 1024 w 4 1.3 831 BROWN-HEADED TCHAGRA Tchagra australis 1022 0.8 0.6 4 5 1.7 836 NORTHERN PUFFBACK Dryoscopus gambensis 1000 F 2.0 1.4 3 P 5 2 843 BLACK-HEADED GONOLEK Laniarius erythrogaster 1003 f 0.1 855 PIED CROW Corvus albus 654 0.6 0.9 6 871 SPLENDID GLOSSY STARLING Lamprotornis splendidus 1061 F 1.1

872 RUPPELL'S LONG-TAILED STARLING Lamprotornis purpuropter 1060

F 1.4 4 6 6 2.0

881 GREY-HEADED SPARROW Passer griseus 1206 3.8 5.6 3 6 6 6 6 6 6 3 3 2.0 893 BAGLAFECHT WEAVER Ploceus baglafecht 1159 f 0.3 0.4 3 895 LITTLE WEAVER Ploceus luteolus 1172 0.6 4 896 BLACK-NECKED WEAVER Ploceus nigricollis 1176 0.7 5 897 SPECTACLED WEAVER Ploceus ocularis 1177 f 0.4 1 2 900 HOLUB'S GOLDEN WEAVER Ploceus xanthops 1189 R-RR,G-RR,F 5 1.7 907 VIEILLOT'S BLACK WEAVER Ploceus nigerrimus 1175 f 0.8 1.1 3 5 908 BLACK-HEADED WEAVER Ploceus cucullatus 1165 1.7 3.0 5 3 4 6 3 P 909 WEYNS' WEAVER Ploceus weynsi 1188 0.9 6 910 YELLOW-BACKED WEAVER Ploceus melanocephalus 1173 W P P 3 P 911 GOLDEN-BACKED WEAVER Ploceus jacksoni 1171 R-RR, w 0.4 927 BLACK BISHOP Euplectes gierowii 1144 w 0.7 4 5 3.0 929 SOUTHERN RED BISHOP Euplectes orix 1150 0.7 5 2 0.7 932 FAN-TAILED WIDOWBIRD Euplectes axillaris 1140 G 0.6 P 4 3 5 2.7 937 GROSBEAK WEAVER Amblyospiza albifrons 1134 R-VU,w 0.9 P 6 P P 956 BROWN TWINSPOT Clytospiza monteiri 1221 FF 0.6 4 959 RED-BILLED FIREFINCH Lagonosticta senegala 1241 2.9 2.6 6 5 2 2 P 2 P P P P 962 BLACK-BELLIED FIREFINCH Lagonosticta rara 1237 R-NT,G P P 969 COMMON WAXBILL Estrilda astrild 1226 w,G 0.5 0.3 2 P P 970 BLACK-CROWNED WAXBILL Estrilda nonnula 1230 f 1.6 1.7 6 P 4 P P 974 RED-CHEEKED CORDON-BLEU Uraeginthus bengalus 1261 1.8 2.1 P 5 1 P 4 5 1 0.3 980 BRONZE MANNIKIN Lonchura cucullata 1266 4.7 4.3 3 3 6 6 6 6 5 6 5 3.3 981 BLACK AND WHITE MANNIKIN Lonchura bicolor 1265 f 1.3 1.3 2 5 2 984 RED-BILLED FIREFINCH INDIGOBIRD Vidua chalybeata 1211 1.0 0.1 P 1 985 PIN-TAILED WHYDAH Vidua macroura 1216 P 3 3 1 P 0.3 991 AFRICAN CITRIL Serinus citrinelloides 1283 f 0.1 1.1 3 5 P P 4 1.3 992 PAPYRUS CANARY Serinus koliensis 1287 f 0.7 5 995 YELLOW-FRONTED CANARY Serinus mozambicus 1290 2.5 2.6 P 4 3 6 5 P 6 P 2.0

1005 AFRICAN GOLDEN-BREASTED BUNTING Emberiza flaviventris 1273 P P

TOTALSc 85 94 28 25 35 32 25 22 26 63 Temperature (M = mild c20o W = warm c25-30o) M W W W W W M W W W

104 | P A G E

ANNEX C: MAP OF THE PROPOSED LINE ROUTE

105 | P A G E

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106 | P A G E

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