GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 714

PURSUANT to regulation 21 of Environmental (Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations, the National Environment Management Authority, (NEMA) has received an environmental impact assessment study report for the implementation of the proposed housing estate. The proposed development comprises construction of 736 units with 512 units being two bedroomed and 224 units being three bedroomed apartments/flats (grand total of 736). The development will comprise 92 blocks of flats, constructed to four levels (ground floor and three upper floors) with two flats on each floor, thus a total of 8 flats in each block. The low cost development will be carried out in eight phases. The proposed project comprises of four plots registered on L.R. Nos. 10426/45, 46, 47 and 48 and is located just outside Athi River town, Athi River district. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Possible Impacts Suggested Mitigation Measures Air pollution, dust generation and noise pollution Spray water during construction work. Control speed and movements of construction vehicles noting that access to project site is off a busy highway. Use of low-sulphur diesel for diesel- operated machinery. Use of appropriate PPE by construction workers. No unnecessary hooting by project and residents vehicles. Restriction of construction activities to day time. Use of equipment designed with noise control elements. Temporarily fencing off noisy machinery such as vibrators. Clearing of vegetation Planting of ornamental trees along perimeter fence and within site. Where possible retain some of the natural vegetation as part of the built landscape. Planting of grassed lawns. Establishment of flower gardens within project site. No disturbance to areas not affected by the project so as to minimise impacts on environment. Destruction of habitat Discourage off-road driving. Control of earthworks. Generation of solid waste Re-use of construction debris and other wastes. Proper containment and disposal of solid waste at all project phases. Contracting a licensed waste collection and disposal company. Awareness raising on proper solid waste disposal. Reuse of timber off-cuts and wooden supports for fuel. Waste to be properly segregated and separated to facilitate re-use. Increased demand for water Conservation (wise use) of water and electricity. Provision of adequate water storage facilities. Installation of rainwater harvesting structures. Re-use of water where possible. Install water conserving taps. Increased demand for electricity Use of energy saving bulbs within the houses. 28th January, 2011 THE KENYA GAZETTE 311 Possible Impacts Suggested Mitigation Measures Inclusion of a solar water heating & lighting systems to reduce on use of electricity. Make use of natural lighting in the houses. Energy conservation measures to be practised. Occupational health and safety risks Use of suitable personal protective equipment (PPE). Insurance of all workers. Site to be sprinkled with water to minimize dust. Use of stable ladders and other climbing/support structures. Sensitize workers on construction safety measures. Cleanliness and organization at the construction site. Fencing or covering of risky areas such as deep pits. Safety signage. Use of permit-to-work authorizer for risky jobs. Engagement of skilled labourers. Food handlers to be monitored for hygienic practises. Fire hazards and accidents Acquire fire fighting equipment. Sensitize workers on fire safety. No storage of inflammables at site. Keep well stocked first aid box. Proper handling and use of tools and machinery. Have a trained first aider on site. Increase in traffic flow Adequate road warning signs to traffic regulations. Erection of speed bumps. Security Guarding of site and estate by a reputable security firm. Constant site patrol. Adequate screening of visitors to the site and estate. Collaboration with existing security machinery. Partnership with neighbours and police in community policing. Keep a record of visitors to the construction site and estate. Generation of waste water Proper collection and directing of waste water and connection of sewerage system to existing Municipal sewer system as per approved design. Provision of storm water drains. Proper decommissioning of waste water and sewer system. Public health and safety Ensure use of provided pit latrines by construction staff. Proper handling and disposal of solid waste. Operation of noisy machinery at daytime only. Control of visitors to the site. Safe decommissioning of buildings and connections thereof. Installation of adequate water supply. Controlled developments around the facility. The full report of the proposed project is available for inspection during working hours at: (a) Director-General, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Kapiti Road, off Mombasa Road, P.O. Box 67839–00200, Nairobi. (b) Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, N.H.I.F. Community, P.O. Box 30521, Nairobi. (c) Provincial Director of Environment, Eastern Province. (d) District Environment Officer, Machakos District. The National Environment Management Authority invites members of the public to submit oral or written comments within thirty (30) days from the date of publication of this notice to the Director-General, NEMA, to assist the Authority in the approval process of the project. B. M. LANGWEN, for Director-General, National Environment Management Authority.