GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 5224

PURSUANT to section 59 of the Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act, 1999, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has received an Environmental Impact Assessment Study Report for the above proposed project. The proponent, Gold Rock Development Limited, proposes to construct a 24 storey residential cum commercial building (2 No. basements, ground, 24 No. floors plus a roof terrace) comprising a total of 400 housing units (300 No. one bedroom units and 100 No. two bedroom units) including shops, walkways, staircases, lift lobbies, ramps, recreational area, community green spaces, power distribution station, water storage tanks, service management room, parking spaces and other associated facilities and amenities located on Plot L.R. Nos. Nairobi/Block 17/184 and Nairobi/Block 17/185 within Kilimani Area along Argwings Kodhek Road in Nairobi City County. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Possible Impacts Mitigation measures Soil erosion  Control earthworks.  Install drainage structures properly.  Ensure management of excavation activities. Loss of Vegetation  Restore/re-establish vegetation in some parts of the disturbed areas through implementation of landscaping program. Possible Impacts Mitigation measures Air Pollution  All trucks and any other mode of hauling soil sand and other loose materials to and from site should be covered.  Sprinkling water on dry soils in excavated areas, pavements.  Use of clean fuels for machines and equipment. Stockpiles of earth should be sprayed with water or covered during dry seasons.  Provide dust masks for the personnel in dust generation areas.  Sensitize construction workers on pollution control measures. Emission of Green House Gases  Installation of a solar PV system on the rooftop to supplement KPC supply thereby abating about GHG emissions.  Implementing energy efficiency mechanisms to reduce energy consumption.  Undertaking annual energy audits to monitor progress and exploit opportunities for energy efficiency. Fire risks  Install fire alarm with smoke sensors.  Have standby fire extinguishers at the site incase fire erupts.  Declare places with flammable construction materials as ‘’NO SMOKING ZONES’’ and display conspicuous notices of the same. Traffic disruption  Properly plan for transportation of materials to ensure that vehicles are optimally filled to reduce the number of trips done or the number of vehicles on the access roads.  Employment of formal flagmen/women to ensure the public safety.  Place clear signage’s at the gate to alert drivers to be cautious about the construction and to look out for entering and/or exiting vehicles. Noise pollution  Sensitize workforce including drivers of construction vehicles.  Install sound barriers for pile driving activity.  Install portable barriers to shield compressors and other small stationary equipment where necessary.  Display signs to indicate construction activities.  Maintain all equipment.  Workers in the vicinity of high-level noise to wear safety and protective gear. Occupational Safety and Health  All workers and workers and visitors on site to use mandatory protective gear.  Unattended entry to the project site to be restricted.  Use of efficient and well maintained machines to lift and transfer materials.  Removal of all dangerous materials that may pose a threat such as metal bars, wires, glass and broken equipment.  Availing of fully equipped first aid kits to help address emergencies. 1928 1928 Possible Impacts Mitigation measures  Warning signs to all users and visitors be placed at appropriate places.  Educate construction works and tenants on health and safety risks and their prevention. Public health, occupational health and safety  Train staff/ workers on occupational health and safety.  Provide full protective gear& workmen’s compensation cover in addition to the right tools and operational instructions.  Design of sewerage system should be as provided in the plans and should be constructed to approved size and design, standard and of approved materials.  Avoid undesirable, substandard hazardous or unauthorized materials during construction and maintenance. Contribution to Climate Change  Water management-The project should invest in water management strategies like rainwater harvesting, storage facilities, and efficient water use practices. These measures aim to mitigate water scarcity during dry periods and reduce flood risks during heavy rainfall events.  Infrastructure Design:Incorporate resilient features to withstand extreme weather like flooding, storms, and high temperatures.  Energy Efficiency: Implement technologies and practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependency on fossil fuels.  Biodiversity Conservation: Protect and enhance natural ecosystems to preserve biodiversity and ecosystem services, including reforestation, habitat restoration, and sustainable land management practices. Insecurity and social impacts  Provision of security guards, CCTV cameras, security lights and other security apparatus during the entire project cycle.  Adhere to work timings in line with the NEMA licensing conditions. Increased Water use  Installation of motion-sensing taps, urinals, and toilets to automatically switch off once the user leaves the station.  A motion sensor tap would cut up to 85% of annual water usage compared to conventional taps.  Rainwater harvesting:  The harvested water would be used for cleaning, flushing toilets, watering plants, etc.  Avail storage tanks. Increased Generation of Waste  Build construction workers’ capacity on sanitation and hygiene practises.  Segregation of waste at the source during the project cycle.  Special attention shall be paid to the sanitary facilities on site.  Garbage shall be disposed periodically.  Contract a NEMA licensed waste handler. The full report of the proposed project is available for inspection during working hours at: (a) Director-General, NEMA, Popo Road, off Mombasa Road, P.O. Box 67839–00200, Nairobi. (b) County Director of Environment, Nairobi City County. A copy of the report can be downloaded at www.nema.go.ke The National Environment Management Authority invites members of the public to submit oral or written comments within thirty (30) days from the date of this publication to the Director- General, NEMA, to assist the Authority in the decision making process regarding this project. Comments can also be emailed to dgnema@nema.go.ke MAMO B. MAMO, Director-General, MR/8097667 National Environment Management Authority.