GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 3553

The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures Land acquisition • Kenya Forest Service land to be used for the dam reservoir, dam buffer and water treatment works. • In extreme case where private land acquisition is unavoidable, it will be compensated under the guidelines presented in the resettlement policy framework. • Resettlement Action Plan being prepared to guide the process. • Appropriate site selection and design were conducted according to national and the WB guidelines in order to entail no or minimal disturbance to local ecology, soil and land. • Dam components located in ecologically sensitive areas not approved, in order to avoid impact on flora /fauna. • Plantation plan/forest/rangeland management consideration during design phase. • Watershed/Scheme Site interventions may affect natural drainage/run-off. This can stress local natural stream flow which may cause surface water quality degradation and contamination of water resources and affect downstream ecology. • Improper design considerations for suspended silt / maintenance of minimum flows may degrade downstream ecology. • Excessive diversion/use of surface water resources may lead to depletion of natural surface water resources. Water Quality • Erosion and sedimentation. • Contaminated storm water from operational areas containing potential pollutants such as oils, solvents, paints, fuels and waste materials. • Uncontrolled liquid spills of contaminants such as fuel and oils. • Extensive ground water table studies have been carried out during feasibility stage. • Schemes are designed according to Ground water recharge/ pumping regulations. • Traffic Management Plan addressing general access to be implemented. • Safety and security actions and procedures to protect local community during construction phase. • Implement NTSA: Road Transport and Road Traffic Management. (Road signs, construction schedule). • Continued consultations with the community leaders and local community leaders on security matters. • Security at the work sites and camps. • Identification cards to workers. • Access to the camps must be controlled through gated entrances and entrance and exit logs shall be maintained at each gate. Design considerations: impacts on ecology, soil and land Design considerations: impacts on surface water Design considerations: impacts on groundwater Increased traffic Occupational health and safety Negative Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures • Procure equipment's and materials that will enhance safety and health. • Compliance to occupational health and safety. Traffic flow • Erect warning signs of on-going works. • Expedite construction works and communicate alternative access ways to the community. Bad smell/odor • proper housekeeping techniques, installing proper waste storage/containment areas and pretreatment interventions such as fumigations. Utility relocation • Notify the relevant authorities on affected utilities and provide alternatives. • Relocation of utilities to be suctioned and done by relevant authorities. Social issues and • Create awareness on issues such as HIV & security AIDS in collaboration with the community leaders, local authorities and other relevant interested actors such as CBOs and NGOs. • Put in place grievance and dispute resolution committee including the community leaders and area Government administrators. • Increase security interventions and surveillance around the construction area. The full report of the proposed project is available for inspection during working hours at: (a) Principal Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, NHIF Building, Community, P.O. Box 30126-00100, Nairobi. (b) Director-General, NEMA, Popo Road, off Mombasa Road, P.O. Box 67839-00200, Nairobi. (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 regarding this plan. MAMO B. MAMO, Ag . Director-General, MR/0747622 National Environment Management Authority.