Attachment_J.18_Uganda_Infrastructure_Development_IEE.pdf

INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION

REQUEST FOR CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION

Program/Activity Number: N/A Country/Region: Uganda / East Africa.

Functional Objective: Infrastructure Development Activities across: DO1, and DO3.

Program Activity Title: Infrastructure Development Activities: Economic Growth (DO1), and Investing in People (DO3).

Sub Activities:

1. Road Construction/Rehabilitation.

2. Building Construction/Renovation.

3. Water and Sanitation Infrastructure.

4. Medical Waste Management Infrastructure

Funding Begin: FY2015 End: FY2020 LOP Planning Amount: $ 12,058,940 (Refer to page 36)

IEE Prepared By: Jessica Okui, MEO, USAID/Uganda; and DO1, DO3 Teams.

Current Date: February, 2015 Expiration Date: September 30, 2020

IEE Amendment (Y/N): __Y__ If “Yes,” File name & date of original IEE:

Uganda_FY08_EG_SO7_Blanket_IEE_091808 Uganda_DO1_FtF_IEE_08132014 Uganda_FY08_SO8_IIP_IEE_092408

ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION RECOMMENDED: (Place X where applicable) Categorical Exclusion: __X__ Negative Determination: _____X___ Positive Determination: __X___ Deferral: ____

ADDITIONAL ELEMENTS: (Place X where applicable)

CONDITIONS: __X___ PVO/NGO: __X__

Other Relevant Environmental Compliance Documentation: This IEE cuts across and builds on all other USAID environmental compliance documentation already in effect for ongoing activities under USAID/Uganda Economic Growth (DO1), and Investing in People (DO3):

DO1: FtF (Agriculture Sector) IEE.

DO3: Investing in People IEE.

DO1: Natural Resources Management and Biodiversity Conservation IEE.

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS:

The purpose of this infrastructure development FY 2014 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) is to provide threshold determinations for infrastructure development activities of USAID/Uganda’s Development Objective No. 1 (DO1): Economic growth, and Development Objective No. 3 (DO3):

Investing in People . This IEE cuts across these DOs implemented in the USAID/Uganda Mission.

Infrastructure development is very diverse, focus will be limited to the following infrastructure support activities with no adverse effects on the environment; small scale road construction/rehabilitation, small scale building construction/renovation, water and sanitations infrastructure, small scale medical waste management infrastructure and financial support to infrastructure development activities among others.

This IEE consolidates the threshold determinations for infrastructure development activities currently envisioned under DO1, and DO3 that will be implemented in the next five years and replaces infrastructure development activities covered in previous Blanket IEEs for SO7, and SO8 respectively, which expire in FY 2014. Section 1.3 gives a description of envisaged infrastructure development activities; Section 2 provides an overview of Uganda’s environment and infrastructure development sector; Section 3 provides an evaluation of the potential environmental impacts of infrastructure development activities; Section 4 provides the threshold environmental determination and mitigation actions, Monitoring and Compliance Assurance.

Environmental Determinations:

This IEE has recommended the following environmental determinations:

1. A Categorical Exclusion from environmental examination is recommended for activities which do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the environment. These activities support infrastructure development.

Pursuant to:

1.1 22 CFR 216.2(c) (2) (i), for activities involving education, training, technical assistance or training programs;

1.2 22 CFR 216.2(c) (2) (iii), for activities involving analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings;

1.3 22 CFR 216.2(c) (2) (v), for activities involving document and information transfers; and

1.4 22 CFR 216.2(c) (2) (viii), for programs involving nutrition, health care, or family planning services except to the extent designed to include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, water supply systems, waste water treatment, etc.).

2. A Negative Determination with Conditions per 22 CFR 216.3 (a) (2) (iii) is recommended for activities that will have no significant adverse environmental impacts with adequate mitigation and monitoring, this include the following activities:

i. Small scale road construction and rehabilitation activities.

ii. Small scale building construction and renovation; e.g. health facilities, education facilities, agriculture facilities (silos, ware houses, village aggregation centers, etc.)

iii. Small scale construction of medical waste management facilities.

iv. Provision of financial support services for infrastructure development.

v. Environment Monitoring and Mitigation Plan (EMMP) which identifies the IEE conditions and mitigation measures for each award will be developed using the EMMP template attached on this IEE. The EMMP will be part of the program work plan.

3. A Positive Determination is recommended per 22 CFR 216.3 (a) (2) (iii) for the following activities that fall under 22 CFR 216.2 (d) (1):

i. Irrigation or water management infrastructure including dams and impoundments.

ii. River basin development and drainage activities.

iii. Power plants (grid extensions).

iv. Penetrating road building or road improvement.

v. Construction of large scale/commercial waste management facilities e.g. incinerators, landfills etc.

vi. Construction of large scale water and sanitation facilities e.g. waste water treatment.

vii. Large scale buildings construction and renovation.

Positive Determinations require preparation and approval by the BEO of an Environmental Assessment in accordance with 22 CRF 216.6

4. Environmental Responsibilities:

As required by ADS 204.3.4, the DO1, and DO3 USAID /Uganda team and activity implementing partners will actively monitor and evaluate whether the environmental features designed for the infrastructure development activity resulting from the 22 CFR 216 process are being implemented effectively and whether there are new or unforeseen consequences arising during implementation that were not identified and reviewed in accordance with 22 CFR 216. If additional infrastructure development activities not described in this document are added, an amended environmental examination must be prepared and approved.

Program/Activity Number: N/A Country/Region: Uganda / East Africa.

Functional Objective: Infrastructure Development Activities across: DO1, DO3.

Program Activity Title: Infrastructure Development Activities: Economic Growth (DO1), Investing in People (DO3).

Funding Begin: FY 2015 Funding End: FY 2020; LOP Planning Amount: $12,058,940

1.0 BACKGROUND AND ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION:

1.1 Purpose and Scope of the IEE :

All activities funded by the USAID must conform to USAID environmental procedures (22CRF 216) requiring evaluation and actions to ensure adverse environmental impacts are prevented or mitigated.

The purpose of this IEE is to provide threshold determinations for Development Assistance (DA) programming activities involving infrastructure development across two Development Objectives in the Mission: Economic Growth (DO1), and Investing in People (DO3) in accordance with the requirements of Regulation 22 CFR 216 (Reg. 216). This document will assist in ensuring environmental compliance, and will permit the implementation of the proposed infrastructure development activities in accordance with USAID Environmental Policy and Procedures (22 CFR Part 216). This IEE is applicable to current and future programs with infrastructure development component.

This IEE provides the first review of the reasonably foreseeable effects on the environment of the proposed development interventions and activities for infrastructure development activities across all the Development Objectives; Economic Growth (DO1),) and Investing in people (DO3). This IEE replaces the expired Blanket IEEs in DO1, DO3 and covers activities in the thematic area of Infrastructure Development. It will cover the period FY 2015 to 2020.

The IEE examines potential environmental impacts of proposed infrastructure development activities and recommends threshold decisions as well as mitigation and monitoring measures.

A Categorical Exclusion is recommended for actions which do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the environment.

Negative Determination is recommended where the activity has no significant adverse environmental impact, but may require best practices in implementing to meet environmental requirements.

Negative Determination with conditions is recommended when the activity will have no significant adverse environmental impacts with adequate mitigation and monitoring. This activity proceeds on the condition that these measures are fully implemented.

Positive Determination will be recommended when an intervention or an activity is likely to have significant adverse environmental impact. In such case, the IEE will provide a factual basis for threshold decision as to whether an Environmental Assessment (EA) is required for the activities managed under this program.

Deferral will be recommended when there is not enough information to evaluate impacts. If such is the case, planning and definition of the activity will be finalized and submitted for approval before commitment of resources to this activity.

Activities with a Negative Determination with Conditions and Positive Determinations require the development of an Environment Monitoring and Mitigation Plan (EMMP) which identifies the IEE conditions and mitigation measures for each activity that will have an adverse effect on the environment.

The EMMP will be part of the program work plan.

In the event that any new infrastructure development activity differs, substantially from the type or nature of activities describes here or require different or additional mitigation measures beyond these described, this IEE will be amended.

1.2 Background

The Uganda National Development Plan (NDP) 2010/2011-2014/2015 has identified strategies to increase the stock and improve the quality of physical infrastructure, which include among others:- Improving the stock and quality of the national road network.

Construction of basic agricultural infrastructure, including silos, ware houses, and abattoirs.

With the effects of climate change, increasing accessibility to water for production through irrigation and provision of water to livestock.

Provision of safe water supply and sanitation as good sanitation and hygiene practices.

Improving tourism infrastructure; roads, hotels and restaurants, as means of promoting tourism.

Rehabilitation of referral hospitals as well as extending services nearer to the people.

Furthermore, road construction and /or rehabilitation is vital in enabling transportation of agricultural produce to markets. Agricultural produce processing and storage facilities e.g. ware houses, silos, coffee wash stations, aggregation centers etc. are all key investments in the agricultural sector which, employs 73% of Uganda’s labor force. Building and renovation of health facilities and education facilities go a long way in improving the performance of these sectors.

The USAID Uganda’s Country Development Cooperation Strategy’s (CDCS) vision of “ Uganda’s Transition to a Modern and Prosperous Country Accelerated,” will be pursued through three Development Objectives(DOs) and one Special Objective. All these objectives have a component of infrastructure development integrated in them.

1.3 Description of Activities and Affected Areas:

The following infrastructure development components are considered in this IEE; road construction and rehabilitation, building construction and renovation, medical waste management infrastructure, water and sanitation infrastructures:-

1.3.1 Road Constructions and Rehabilitation:

These will include opening new roads, trails, in virgin areas, protected areas, rehabilitating, or upgrading existing roads networks, which may involve building bridges, placing of culverts, etc.

a. Infrastructure for Biodiversity This activity seeks to support the infrastructure needs in the environment and natural resources and biodiversity conservation sector through the provision of high quality, environmentally sound, and properly designed and constructed infrastructure and facilities. Overall activity objectives include:

1. Improve the monitoring and management of wildlife in target protected areas (PAs) by increasing access for ranger patrols and enhancing and increasing water supplies for both park staff and wildlife; and

2. Increase the capacity of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and National Forestry Authority (NFA) to plan, design, construct, and operate infrastructure and facilities.

Given the high level of environmental sensitivities and biodiversity concerns within PAs, environmental and biodiversity protection, as well as the mitigation of negative impacts, must play a central role in the design and construction management of the activities discussed herein.

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), and the National Forests Authority (NFA) are in need of new and improved infrastructure in order to address increased poaching threats, make protected areas more accessible to Ugandans, and improve operations in five Protected Areas (PAs): Lake Mburo, Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley National Parks; and Budongo and Kalinzu Forest Reserves. The new and improved infrastructure will contribute to UWA’s and NFA’s capacity to manage their estates and reduce threats to biodiversity, an overarching objective of USAID/Uganda’s Environment and Natural Resources Management portfolio. Given the environmental and biodiversity sensitivities of the PAs, such infrastructure must be designed to mitigate any potential threats to wildlife or environmental impacts as much as possible. Infrastructure anticipated to be designed and for which the construction will be managed include, but is not limited to, the following:

- Approximately 50 kilometers of murram road

- Six bridges and/or river and stream crossings

- Embankment dams and/or water storage reservoirs for wildlife water consumption

- Boreholes and/or water storage and/or conveyance infrastructure to connect ranger posts to potable water.

- Other infrastructure, as identified.

1.3.2 Building Construction and Renovation:

These include building construction and/ or renovation of the following: -

- Health facilities.

- Education facilities e.g. schools and institutions.

- Agriculture infrastructure/Product Storage facilities e.g. silos, cribs, ware houses, Village Aggregation Centers (VACs), abattoirs, valley tanks, irrigation systems.

- Biodiversity conservation infrastructure in protected areas e.g. restaurants, hotels, dormitories, camp sites, ranger posts, resting sheds, signages, embankment dams and/or water storage reservoirs for wildlife water consumption.

a. Northern Uganda- Health Integration To Enhance Services (NUHITES) Program.

Northern Uganda- Health Integration To Enhance Services (NU-HITES) program’s goal is to improve and sustain health and nutritional status of northern Uganda population through strengthening a district-based integrated package of quality health services. The expected program objectives are as follows:

- 1) Increased use of quality health services at facility and community level by women, girls and children (Health Service Delivery);

- Increased availability of health services.

- Increased accessibility of health services.

- Improved quality of health services.

- Enhanced enabling environment for health care.

- Increased health seeking behavior and practices.

- 2) Strengthened systems for effective and sustainable delivery of quality health services (Health System Strengthening).

- Increased availability of human resources for health.

- Improved availability of adequate stocks of health commodities and supplies.

- Improved information management system.

- Improved leadership and management.

- Increased private sector involvement through innovations for delivery of affordable quality health care services.

The above goal and objectives support the USAID/Uganda Country CDCS through achievement of the following Intermediate Results;

- IR 3.1: More effective use of sustainable health services,

- IR 3.1.1 Health seeking behavior increased,

- IR 3.1.3: Increased availability of health services, and

- IR 3.1.3.1: Enhanced enabling environment for health care.

NUHITES activities will include; Construction/renovation of selected health facilities e.g Laboratories.

Coverage: Nwoya, Gulu, Amuru Kitgum Lamwo, Pader, Agago (Acholi sub region), ; Lira, Otuke, Oyam, Kole, Apac, Alebtong, Dokolo, Amolatar (Lango sub region.

b. Infrastructure for Biodiversity (Refer to 1.3.1 a)

- Activities will include; construction/renovation of embankment dams and/or water storage reservoirs for wildlife water consumption

c. TRACK TB Overall Objective of the Program is to support the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Program (NTLP) to improve the detection and treatment of Tuberculosis (TB), TB/HIV and Muti Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR TB) to achieve national targets through support to selected districts.

Goal: Reduced TB related morbidity and mortality in supported districts.

Objective: Improved TB and MDR TB control programs in supported districts.

Specific objectives:

Enhance NTLP leadership and technical capacity to effectively guide and manage implementation of TB control activities at national and district levels

Expand community based DOTS in Kampala to increase TSR to 85% by the end of the project

Scale up implementation of a quality MDR TB to achieve MDR TB treatment for at least 50% of currently registered MDR TB cases by end of the project

Provide technical assistance to USAID partners to improve the implementation of DOTS, TB/HIV, and community based MDR TB interventions.

The above goal and objectives support the USAID/Uganda County CDCS through achievement of the following Intermediate results:

IR 1: Enhanced leadership and guidance of TB at national level.

IR 2: Urban DOTS model implemented in Kampala.

IR 3: NTLP capacity to initial and implement MDR TB control activities strengthened.

IR 4: Coordination of DOTS, TB/HIV, and MDR TB interventions improved.

Activities will include; renovation works in selected MDR TB sites and the NTLP.

Coverage: Kampala. Mbarara, Hoima, Soroti, Lira.

d. Karamoja Health and HIV/AIDS Integrated Program.

The purpose of USAID Karamoja Health and HIV/AIDS Integrated program is to secure services to support the design and implementation of a comprehensive, integrated investment in enhancing Karamoja region’s health, HIV/AIDS and nutritional conditions. The program will focus on maximizing the impact of the Government of Uganda (GOU), the United States Government (USG) and other donors’ considerable investments in developing Karamoja’s health services and systems, using a district-based integrated package of quality health, HIV/AIDS, nutrition and child development services.

This program’s health sector interventions is aimed at achieving the following:

1. Improve living conditions for health personnel in Karamoja;

2. Improve the manpower gap in health centers in Karamoja;

3. Prevent, treat and manage malaria and other common diseases;

4. Improve access to health services; and

5. Improve sanitation and hygiene.

USAID, through this five-year program anticipates supporting health and HIV/AIDS services in Karamoja region to men, women and children. Providing services in seven districts in north-east Uganda, the goal will be to improve the health and nutritional status of men, women and children in Karamoja through increased use of health services as highlighted in the DO3 results framework

This program will address the following Intermediate Result Areas 3.1.1, 3.1.2, and 3.1.3

IR: 3.1.1 Strengthened Health Systems.

IR: 3.1.2 Improved Availability of and Accessibility to Quality Health Services.

IR : 3.1.3 Health –Seeking Behaviors and Demand for Quality Services Increased, by:

Supporting health systems critical for service delivery Increasing availability and access to quality HIV and key health services;

Improving health seeking behaviors and demand for quality services among the people living in Karamoja region.

The interventions of this program will focus on:

i. Comprehensive quality HIV services including HTC, HIV/AIDS care and treatment, eMTCT, Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC), TB/HIV and related laboratory services at the facility and community levels; HIV prevention; and building the capacity of district-level public and private health sector partners to provide comprehensive quality services in a sustainable manner and improve health systems. Contributing to Uganda’s HIV/AIDS strategic plan to increase universal coverage for comprehensive HIV/AIDS services by 2015 in the seven districts, technical support for integrated care, treatment and HIV/FP integration services will be provided to all health facilities where there is no USAID support in collaboration with the MoH, district local governments, other USG partners and major regional development actors to coordinate support and maximize coverage of eMTCT/FP and HIV prevention, care and treatment services.

ii. The other interventions under this program will focus on MNCH. Key interventions will include antenatal care (ANC), labor, and postnatal care (PNC) for pregnant and lactating mothers;

nutrition, strengthening district capacity for emergency obstetric care (EmOC) in health facilities;

FP; improvement of the nutritional status of children and vulnerable populations; and immunization. Given the poor quality of MNCH clinics, USAID anticipates this mechanism to support minor construction renovations to improve quality of services.

The Karamoja Health and HIV/AIDS integrated program will include construction/renovation of selected health facilities in Karamoja region.

e. SUSTAIN The purpose of the Strengthening Uganda’s Systems for Treating AIDS Nationally (SUSTAIN) project is to provide quality HIV/AIDS care and treatment, and related laboratory services at regional referral and district hospitals in Uganda and to build the capacity of the public and private sector to provide care and treatment in a sustainable manner. SUSTAIN will also provide quality HIV/AIDS diagnostic and treatment monitoring laboratory tests, working collaboratively with Central Public Health Laboratory (CPHL), Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) and other stakeholders.

Objectives:

1. Ensure the provision of HIV/AIDS care & treatment, laboratory, PMTCT and TB/HIV services within public regional referral and district hospitals.

2. Enhance the quality of HIV/ AIDS care & treatment, laboratory, PMTCT, and TB/HIV services at regional referral and district hospitals.

3. Increase stewardship by the Ministry of Health (MoH) to provide sustainable quality HIV/AIDS care & treatment, laboratory, prevention from mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS (PMTCT) and TB/HIV services within the public health system.

The Strategic Objective (SO):

Increase use of quality HIV/AIDS care and treatment and laboratory services at the regional and district hospitals in Uganda.

IR 1: Increased availability of HIV/AIDS care and treatment and laboratory services at the regional and district hospitals.

IR 2: Enhance quality of HIV/AIDS care and treatment and laboratory services at the regional and district hospitals.

IR 3: Strengthen coordination and sustainability of HIV/AIDS care and treatment and laboratory services at the regional and district hospitals.

Activities include renovation of health facilities (laboratories) and other infrastructure in selected districts.

Coverage: 11 Regional Referral Hospitals; Arua, Gulu, Lira, Soroti, Mbale, Jinja, Mbarara, Hoima, Kabale, and 13 district Hospitals; Moyo, Nebbi, Apac, Kaabong, Ngora, Kapchorwa, Kayando, Ibanda, Rushere.

f. Private Not For Profit (PNFP) Activity

The objectives of this activity is to;-

1. expand access to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), nutrition, family planning

(FP), maternal, neonatal and child health (MNCH) services through selected private-not-for profit (PNFP) facilities

2. strengthen PNFP systems and enhance financial and institutional sustainability through improved governance, management and reformed business practices.

This activity is expected to provide HIV/AIDS, TB, FP and MNCH services to an estimated one million Ugandans over a four year period. Services will prioritize vulnerable communities and populations regardless of gender, ethnicity, political affiliation and sexual orientation. The activity will lead to:

• Increased access to HIV/AIDS and TB prevention, care and treatment services

• Decreased maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality

• Reduced incidence of malaria

• Improved nutrition especially among children,

• Increased access to and use of family planning (FP) methods and services

• Strengthened PNFP systems and structures.

This activity aims to tangibly contribute to the achievement of USAID’s Development Objective 3 (DO3); improved health and nutritional status in focus areas and populations. The activity’s contribution to DO3 will only be possible if measurable progress is realized in implementation of an integrated approach that assures the supply of and effective use of sustainable health services (IR3.1). Therefore, this will be the activity’s primary focus which will in turn be achieved through:

a) strengthening systems for delivery of health services within the PNFP facilities and partner community based organizations(IR 3.1.1);

b) improving availability and accessibility to quality health services (IR 3.1.2); and

c) increasing health seeking behavior and demand for health services (IR 3.1.3).

Specific activities will include;-small scale construction/renovation of health facilities.

procurement, storage, management and disposal of health commodities such as medicines, condoms, and nutrition supplement.

activities that will lead to generation of medical waste such testing for HIV, TB, malaria, as well as VMMC.

Coverage: National

g. Comprehensive HIV/AIDS and Health Services at the Workplace Activity The goal of this activity is to reduce the incidences of HIV and other communicable diseases and improve the quality of care of those infected/affected through increased access to and use of comprehensive HIV/AID and other health services.

Goal: Improves Health among target populations.

Purpose: Reduction in incidences of HIV/AID and other communicable diseases among target populations and improve quality of care for those infected/affected.

1R1: Increased availability and access to comprehensive HIV/AIDS and health Services.

IR2: Improved quality of HIV/AIDS and health services.

IR3: Increased uptake and utilization of HIV/AIDS and health services.

This activity may include: renovation and construction of health centers.

Coverage:

This activity will serve as USAID/Uganda’s flagship workplace HIV/AIDS program supporting the delivery of a comprehensive HIV/AIDS and health services at workplace, targeting populations in the Uganda Police, private guards, Uganda Wildlife Authority staff, staff in selected hotels under Uganda Hotels Owners Association.

h. Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) Program, Phase II

The IRS program is one of the methods Uganda has chosen to use in controlling malaria. IRS is effective in malaria vector control and its aim is to eliminate adult mosquitoes which will ultimately result in reduction in malaria transmission.

The major focus of the IRS program is to rapidly build and strengthen local implementation capacity in the public sector in selected areas. Activities related to the implementation of an effective IRS program include;- Planning, supervision and monitoring of importation, distribution, storage, use and disposal of insecticides.

Establishing structures and systems for managing IRS activities from the national to the sub-county level.

Use evidence of insecticide resistance patterns and other relevant operational research finding to guide IRS.

Support and strengthen the existing multi sectoral M & E technical working groups to ensure safe and correct application of residual insecticides and safe disposal of its byproducts.

The IRS will support the renovation of a government of Uganda building at either a hospital, health center or university in eastern Uganda, to support entomological work.

Coverage The IRS was initially implementing in ten districts in Northern Uganda and is now expanded to cover fourteen new districts in eastern Uganda: Alebtong, Amolatar, Budaka, Bugiri, Butaleja, Dokolo, Kaberamaido, Kibuku, Lira, Namutumba, Otuke, Paliisa, Serere, Tororo.

i. Malaria Action Program for Districts (MAPD) This is another PMI Program in Uganda and will support the construction and /or renovation of number of health facilities in the country, to improve case management hence reduce illness and death as a result of malaria. The program hopes that through health facility construction and /or renovation, the environment at these facilities will improve hence encouraging patients to come to the facilities at the first sign of malaria, while also improving the working conditions of health workers.

Coverage: 43 districts

j. RHITES: SW, E, EC (Refer to 1.3.3 (a) below.)

The RHITES activities will also include construction/renovation of health facilities in selected areas. This will include but not limited to: renovation of facilities (waiting areas, maternity units, laboratories etc.), and remodeling of health facilities.

1.3.3 Medical Waste Management Infrastructure:

These include construction of placenta pits, medical waste storage areas and small incinerators used in management of medical waste generated at health facilities.

a. RHITES: SW, E, EC

The purpose of this activity for Regional Health Integration to Enhance Services in South West, Eastern and East Central Uganda (RHITES-SW, E, EC) is to secure services to support the design and implementation of a comprehensive, integrated investment in regional health, HIV/AIDS, and nutrition assistance. The activity1 will focus on maximizing the impact of the Government of Uganda (GOU), the United States Government (USG), and other investments in health services and systems using a district-based integrated package of quality health, HIV/AIDS, nutrition, and child development services to contribute to significant, measurable, and sustainable impact on the beneficiary population.

In order to achieve this purpose, the RHITES-SE,E,EC Recipient will need to achieve several interrelated outcomes at the district level, at the facility level, and at the community level, specifically:

1. Increased availability of and access to health services;

2. Improved quality of health services;

3. Increased availability of resources for public sector health services;

4. Improved organization and management of health service delivery; and

5. Increased adoption of healthy behaviors and positive child development practices by households and communities.

The information below is on about key outputs and processes of the RHITES-E Program:

• Expand access to a broad range of FP methods at facilities and at community-level. The activity will also implement successful model(s) for integrating FP with HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment services, post-natal care, immunization services, and/or other appropriate service delivery points in health facilities and communities.

• Implement and scale up high impact nutrition interventions, including positive child development practices and WASH.

• Scale up proven high impact biomedical HIV prevention, treatment, and care.

• Improve the detection and case management of tuberculosis (TB).

• Improve and expand the diagnostic capabilities of lab services and infrastructure.

• Scale up proven high-impact malaria prevention and treatment interventions.

RHITES: SW, E, EC activities will generate large quantities if healthcare waste which will necessitate construction of appropriate medical medical waste management facilities in selected health facilities which will include: placenta pits, small incinerators etc.

Coverage: RHITES will be implemented in: South West (SW), Eastern (E), Eastern Central (EC) Regions in Uganda.

b. NUHITES ( Refer to 1.3.2 a above)

• Activities will include construction of small scale incinerators, in selected health facilities.

c. Karamoja Health and HIV/AIDS Integrated Program (refer to 1.3.2 d above)

The program will generate large quantities of healthcare waste, which will necessitate construction of appropriate medical waste management facilities in selected health facilities which will include: placenta pits, small incinerators etc. in selected health facilities.

d. Private Not For Profit (PNFP) Activities (refer to 1.3.2 f above) PNFP activities will generate large quantities if healthcare waste, which will necessitate construction of appropriate medical waste management facilities in selected health facilities which will include: placenta pits, small incinerators, etc. in selected health facilities.

1.3.4 Water and Sanitation Infrastructure:

These include construction of water and sanitation infrastructure such as:-

- Providing water sources e.g. boreholes and pumping stations, protecting natural water sources i.e. springs.

- Providing shower facilities, hand washing facilities.

- Setting up of drying racks.

- Digging VIP pit latrines and rubbish pits,

- Drainage and waste water treatment, among others.

a. Uganda Sanitation Program (USP):

The strategic goal of USP is to contribute to the DO3 goal of “improved health and nutrition status in focus areas and population groups in Uganda”. Within DO3 of the USAID/Uganda CDCS, USP will support:

- IR 3.1.1 Health seeking behavior increased by increasing use of improved sanitation and fostering lasting WASH behaviors,

- IR 3.12 Improved Quality of Health Services by improving WASH governance,

- IR 3.1.3 Increased Availability of Health Services by improving provision of essential

WASH services and

- IR 3.1.4 Increased Accessibility of Health Services by increasing financial offerings for

WASH.

The purpose is to accelerate sustainable improvement in quality, access and supply of water and sanitation services, and improve hygiene behaviors in Uganda.

It will achieve the following results:

1. Increased household access to sanitation and water services;

2. Expanded key hygiene behaviors at home, school, and health facilities and;

3. Strengthened district water and sanitation governance.

Coverage: Uganda Sanitation Program will be implemented in 25 districts in Northern and Western Uganda.

b. Community Connector Program.

The goal of this program is to reduce poverty by enabling vulnerable households in Uganda to achieve sustainable food and livelihood security through community level actions. This will be achieved through two intermediate results and sub IR’s. IR (1) covers sanitation aspects as stated below.

IR (1): Improved nutritional status, especially of women and children.

Sub IR: Households adopt key hygiene actions.

The program will promote adoption of good hygiene actions which include; digging of latrines and hand washing facilities, establishing bathing shelters, drying racks, etc.

Coverage: Pader, Agago, Nebbi, Dokolo, Kanungu, Oyam, Ibanda, Kabale, Kisoro, Kiryandongo, Masindi, Kamwenge, Kasese, Lira, Kole.

c. RHITES ( Refer to 1.3.3 (b) above)

d. Karamoja Health and HIV/AIDs Integrated Program (Refer to 1.3.2 d)

2.0 COUNTRY AND ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION (BASELINE INFORMATION):

2.1 Locations Affected:

Infrastructure development activities take place throughout the country, and cut across all Development Objectives and Sectors; health, agriculture, education, tourism and biodiversity conservation and water.

There are environmental problems associated with infrastructure development; which include loss of vegetation and forest cover, reduction in water quality of surface water bodies, loss of wetland areas and loss of biodiversity among others. Irrigation can also threaten biodiversity and result in environmental impacts. Dams used to control and store water can result in the buildup of silt behind them, preventing nutrients from flowing downstream; and salinization of cropland can occur.

Uganda’s Environmental Threats and Opportunities Analysis (ETOA) completed in 2012 summarizes the key environmental variables in Uganda. Uganda is a landlocked country on the equator, covering 241,038

sq. km. Over one-fifth of the total area of Uganda is open water and swamp. Four of east Africa's Great Lakes –Lake Victoria, Lake Kyoga, Lake Albert, and Lake Edward – lie within Uganda or on its borders.

Uganda holds much biodiversity of regional and global importance within its borders, and has seven of the 18 bio-geographic regions in Africa are found. The country ranks fourth on the continent in number of bird species (over 1000) and third in number of mammal species. In the 1960s, Uganda held the largest mammal biomass (elephants, buffaloes, hippos) globally, and with animal populations again steadily building up in the Protected Areas (Pas), Uganda still has the potential to do so. Inadequate management of these [bio diverse] regions, combined with external pressures brought on by poverty and population growth, place Uganda's unique biodiversity at immediate risk. Managed wisely, Uganda's ecosystems can continue to serve as repositories for biological diversity while providing a foundation for sustainable economic growth. Since 2000, however, most of the threats to biodiversity have increased in magnitude and a new threat has materialized – the discovery of oil in the Albertine Rift. Today, the threats to biodiversity that typically result from agricultural production remain, while the threats from industrial and commercial development and the transformation from rural to increasingly urban areas place greater pressure on the natural environment than in 2000. Inadequate management of Uganda’s biodiversity, as stated in the year 2000 COBS report remains a key conservation issue.

Uganda’s species biodiversity is extremely important globally because it is so diverse, it includes some species that are endemic to Uganda and many that are endemic to the Albertine Rift Region, and species that are considered globally threatened

Three regions of Uganda have particularly important biodiversity. Western Uganda forms part of the Albertine Rift Region, which is one of Africa’s most important regions for biodiversity. About half of the entire population of the mountain gorilla (Gorilla gorilla berengei) lives in the extreme southwestern part of this region; Lakes George and Edward have 79 species of fish, a high number for these relatively small lakes. Three of these species are endemic to Uganda (Varicorhinus ruwenzori, Microcteriopoma damasi and Hypsopanchax modestus) (NEMA, 2009). An endemic species of papyrus (Chloropeta gracilirrostris) grows in the shallower parts of Lakes Edward, George, and Bunyonyi. In the Southern Central Region, Lake Victoria, the lakes of the Kyoga basin, and Sango Bay originally had more than 600 endemic haplochromine cichlids; they also have important biodiversity that due to the island nature is extremely fragile. This gives the southern portion of Central Uganda its particular importance for biodiversity (NEMA, 2009). Northeastern Uganda is important for biodiversity because a number of species occur only there and in nearby areas of Kenya and Southern Sudan. These species include 30 species of birds, among which are the Karamoja Apalis (Apalis karamojae), a threatened species, and several species of butterflies, including Papilio nobilis and Charaxes smaragdilis elgonae, the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), lesser kudu (Tragalaphus imberbis), greater kudu (Tragalaphus strapsiceros), roan antelope (Hippotragus equines), Secretary bird (Sagittarius serppentaris) and ostrich (Struthio camelus).

(see Section 5 and Annex J for a detailed discussion of these and other threats) .

In 2005 the NFA measured Uganda’s total forest area as 3,570,643 ha – including tropical forest, swamp forest, and savannah forest compared to 4,900,000 ha in 1990. The annual rate of forest loss between 1990 and 2005 had been 88,638 hectares per year with approximately 0.7% (7,000 ha/y) of the forest loss occurring within the PAs and 2.27% outside of PAs.

The Kafu Basin and Lake Victoria Shores and Islands (Sections 1.4.1 and 1.4.2) have suffered for a long time from indiscriminate killing of wildlife mainly as a means of safeguarding crops and livestock, but also for meat and other animal products.

Current estimates of total area of Uganda’s wetlands are 33,000 Sq. km, approximately 13% of the country’s total area. Uganda’s wetlands are faced with a number of threats of degradation especially resulting from population pressure and economic development which includes infrastructure development. Infrastructure development can lead reduction in reduction in total wetland area through filling and damping, and degradation of wetlands through extraction of material (clay, sand, etc.) used in constructions among others. The impact of all these is far-reaching and threatens the integrity and sustainability of these vital resources. Furthermore, the wide distribution of wetlands and the lack of protective mechanisms mean that a large proportion of the population has access to wetlands; this results in extensive degradation.

2.2 National [or applicable] Environmental Policies and Procedures [of host country both for environmental assessment and pertaining to the sector]:

The Uganda National Environment Action Plan (NEAP) presents strategies for the kind of development Uganda needs to guide us on the path of improving the quality of human life and at the same time conserving the environment. The National Environment Policy provides the framework to guide development actions and is the cornerstone of the country’s commitment to social and economic development that is environmentally sustainable and which will bring the benefits of a better life to all Ugandans. The overall policy goal is sustainable social and economic development which maintains or enhances environmental quality and resource productivity on a long term basis that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Since the mid-1980s, Uganda’s development policy has increasingly recognized the critical importance of natural resources to the country’s economic base. There is also an increasing realization of the link between environmental degradation and poverty, population and inappropriate economic policy. This is apparent in Uganda’s current political focus on poverty alleviation, as reflected in the Poverty Eradication Action Plan (PEAP), and in its overall focus on broad social and economic development. A number of policies contain references to the conservation of natural resources and biodiversity in Uganda. The more relevant of these are described below.

The Poverty Eradication Action Plan (PEAP). The PEAP which is being revised as the National Development Plan (NDP) currently guides GOU’s development strategy with the objective of effecting a dramatic reduction in poverty. The GOU sees the wise use of natural resources as a means of eradicating poverty, and government’s strategy hinges on conservation of soil, forests and biomass, water, wetlands and wildlife.

The goal of the National Environment Management Policy (NEMP) is to enhance the quality of life for all Ugandans. The NEMP is supposed to guide sustainable economic development through sound environmental and natural resources management using a participatory approach. The NEMP promotes environmentally responsible social and economic growth and recognizes biodiversity conservation as a form of natural resources management that is critical to meeting the needs of Ugandans.

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) was created as a result of the National Environment Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) process and the National Environmental Statute. NEMA is the government body charged with ensuring that projects, programs and activities undertaken by the public and private sectors do not have negative environmental impacts. NEMA is expected to encourage, supervise, monitor and coordinate environmental actions among and between sectors, provide technical and training input, and provides policy level assistance to other agencies.

Specifically regarding Environment Impact Assessment (EIA), NEMA has recruited competent EIA specialists and registered private firms that have the skills in carrying out EIA’s. NEMA with the mandate of government is engaging the private sector to include EIA in the planning phase of investment.

The Plan for Modernization of Agriculture (PMA) is a poverty–focused framework that firmly endorses improved household food security and income generation through the market, and envisions an agricultural sector that is competitive, productive, diversified, export-oriented, and private-sector driven. The PMA gives a framework for increasing agricultural output through increased acreage, improved crop and animal varieties, and management.

The Competitiveness and Investment Climate Strategy (CICS) for the private sector is firmly focused on improving competitiveness of Ugandan business and promoting export development while simultaneously implementing actions such as infrastructure development and trade policy reform to create an environment conducive to investment and private sector led growth. Past achievements have been fueled by agriculture and the future of broad-based economic growth in Uganda will continue to depend on agriculture. However, the gains of the past were based upon expansion of the cultivated area, rather than productivity. Since only 25 % of the land in Uganda is considered “highly productive,” continuing expansion increasingly pushes farmers onto marginal land, producing low yields and damaging the nation’s biodiversity. Fostering growth and increasing incomes will depend on increasing productivity in the agricultural sector, primarily through the closer integration of agriculture programs with sustainable natural resource management interventions in critical landscapes. At the same time, agriculture alone cannot produce the growth that is needed to raise Uganda’s population above poverty. It is imperative to find alternatives through economic diversification. This implies improving the capacity and sustainability of enterprises of all sizes, and creating a policy and regulatory environment that is conducive to efficiency, competitiveness, and sound environmental management.

The Government of Uganda has formulated a comprehensive development framework for Northern Uganda the Peace, Recovery and Development Plan (PRDP),as a strategy to eradicate poverty and improve the welfare of the population in Northern Uganda. Northern Uganda has consistently fallen behind the rest of the country within the realm of human development e.g. access to basic services such as water and sanitation, as well as health facilities is poor by national standards. PRDP is committed to stabilize and recover the north over three years 2007 – 2010 through a set of coherent programs under one organizing paradigm that all stakeholders will adopt when implementing their program in the region.

Strategic objective 3 is Revitalization of the Economy and the three results to be achieved are (i) production and marketing enhancement (ii) infrastructure rehabilitation and urban improvement program

(iii) environment and natural resource management.

3.0 EVALUATION OF ACTIVITY ISSUES WITH RESPECT TO ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

POTENTIAL:

The proposed infrastructure development activities are summarized below according to their respective potential impacts on the environment.

3.1 Activities without direct or indirect, adverse effects on the environment.

Infrastructure development support activities such as; meetings, consultations, awareness creation, capacity building, providing technical assistance and supervision, developing architectural and engineering designs, education, communication, training, research and studies, community mobilization, planning, management, outreach activities, and formation of committees, do not have direct adverse environmental impacts. However, in the course of implementing these activities, partners should take advantage of opportunities to address potential adverse environmental impacts.

3.2 Activities with potential adverse effects on the environment.

Infrastructure development activities that involve provision of material support will have adverse effects on the environment.

3.2.1 Small Scale Construction Activities

These include constructions and renovation activities with a disturbance area of less than 10,000 sq. feet (1, 000 sq. meters).

i. Direct environmental impacts associated with these activities include the following;

- Damage to sensitive or valuable ecosystems e.g. filling of wetlands, destruction of wildlife habitats and breeding habitats.

- Soil erosion, leading to sedimentation of surface waters and wetlands.

- Contamination of ground and surface water sources. Toxic materials are often used in constructions, which when not properly handled could lead and contaminate soil and water sources e.g. solvent paints, fuels, oils from vehicle maintenance.

-Creation of stagnant water, habitat for disease causing vectors.

In the absence of complicating factors2, USAID AFR Bureau has concluded that construction and renovation activities with a disturbance area of less than 10,000 sq. feet (1, 000 sq. meters) are of their nature unlikely to create significant adverse impacts of any kind. Construction or rehabilitation larger than this scale does typically present the risks that the impacts described above could be significant.

3.2.2 Roads Construction and Rehabilitation

USAID’s support is generally confined to development or rehabilitation of non-asphalt roads, which may be constructed to improve access leading to protected areas (PAs) or…