GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 1168

PURSUANT to regulation 21 of the Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations, 2003, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has received an Environmental Impact Assessment Study Report for the above proposed project. The proponent, State Department for Housing and Urban Development, is proposing to construct civil servants houses in Machakos County. The houses will be rented and/or sold to civil servants. The proposed housing project will have a total of 200 houses comprising of 2 blocks of 100-two bedroom houses and 100-three bedroom houses. Each unit block will have ground floor, and 1st-5th floors. Ground floor will comprise of parking space and 1st–5th floors will have houses The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures Disruption of existing natural environment • Development restricted to follow zoning policy/approved density – building line, plot coverage and plot ratio. • Careful layout and orientation of buildings to respect wind and sun direction. • Adequate provision of green and open space planted with grass, shrub and tree cover. • Minimum use of reflective building material and finishes for roof, wall and pavement. Extraction and use of building materials • Availability and sustainability of the extraction sites as they are non- renewable in the short term. • Landscape changes e.g. displacement of animals and vegetation, poor visual quality and opening of depressions on the surface. Collapse of building during construction • Ensuring building strength and stability. • Use of appropriate construction materials and reinforcements as per specifications. • Ensuring building components are as per designs. • Proper supervision. • Ensure proper timelines are followed. Disturbance of traffic flow • Proper signage. • Awareness creation. • Education to truck drivers. • Dropping of materials during off-peak hours. Soil excavation leading to site disturbance • Excavate only areas to be affected by buildings. • Dumping of excess excavated materials to sites designated by NEMA and County Authority. • Restoration of sites excavated. Soil erosion • Create and maintain soil traps and embankments. • Landscaping after completion of construction. Noise pollution and vibration • Ensure use of serviced and greased equipment. • Switch off engines not in use. • Construction work to be confined to between 8 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. • Ensure use of earmuffs by machine operators. • Adherence to Noise and Excessive Vibration Pollution (Control) Regulations, 2009. Air quality • Water sprinkling of driveways or the use of biodegradable hydrant e.g. Terrasorb polymer will reduce dust emission during construction. • Ensure servicing of vehicles regularly. • Adherence to Air Quality Regulations, 2014. Solid waste generation • Ensure waste materials are disposed of on council and NEMA approved sites. • Regular inspection and maintenance of the waste disposal systems. • Ensure re-use of materials that can be re-used. • Use of the 3rs – Reduce, Re-use, Re- cycle. • Adherence to Waste Management Regulations, 2006. Energy consumption • Use electricity sparingly since high consumption of electricity negatively impacts on these natural resources and their sustainability. • Use of standby generators. Excessive water use • Excessive water use may negatively impact on the water source and its sustainability. Liquid waste generation and management • Regular inspection and maintenance of the waste disposal systems during the operation phase. • Connection to sewer system. • Strict adherence to Water Quality Regulations, 2006. Security • the facility will be manned by security guards. • There will be 24 hrs. surveillance. • Presence of perimeter wall. Occupational health and safety • Education and awareness to all construction workers. • Ensure use of appropriate personal protective clothing. • Provide First Aid Kits on site. • Ensuring building strength and stability • Proper supervision. • Proper signage and warning to public of heavy vehicle turning. • Ensuring Building Strength and stability. • Ensure strict compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 2007. 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) Principal Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, NHIF Building, Community, P.O. Box 30126– 00100, Nairobi. 9th February, 2018 THE KENYA GAZETTE (c) County Director of Environment, Machakos County. 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 decision making process of this project. GEOFFREY WAHUNGU, Director-General, MR/4103614 National Environment Management Authority.