Uganda - Nakivubo Channel Rehabilitation Project - environmental assessment

E-263 REPUBLIC OF UGANDA NAKIVUBO CHANNEL REHABILITATION PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT The Town Clerk Kampala City Council P. 0. Box 7232 Kampala, Uganda February 1999  REPUBLIC OF UGANDA NAKIVUBO CHANNEL REHABILITATION PROJECT Environmental Impact Assessment Table of Contents Page No. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.....................................................................................................1................. 1. BACKGROUND TO THE NAKIVUBO CHANNEL REHABILITATION PROJECT .....................................................3 1.1 IntroductiQn ......................................................3 1.2 Scope of the First Urban Project .....................................................4 1.3 Scope of Nakivubo Channel Rehabilitation Project .....................................................4 2.0 EXISTING DRAINAGE PROBLEMS FACING KAMPALA CITY .......................................5 2.1 Clocktower Roundabout and Surrounding Area .........................................................5 2.2 Industrial Area .5 2.3 Other Problem Drainage Areas (Black Spots) .....................................................................S5 3.0 POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK ................................................6 3.1 National Environmental Statute (1995) ......................................................................6 3.2 The Water Statute (Commencement) Instrument (1995) .......................................................... . 6 3.3 The National Policy for Conservation and Management of Wetland Resources (1995) ......................................................................8 3.3.1 Water Balance Actiwties ..................................................................... . 8 3.3.2 Procedures to be followed by Prospective Wetland Resource Developers ........... 8 4.0 PROPOSED ENVIRONMENTALLY APPROPRIATE STRATEGY FOR IMPROVED DRAINAGE ......................................................................9 4.1 Improvements to Nakivubo Channel ......................................................................9 4.2 Other Improvements (Auxiliary Works to Address Black Spots) ............................................9 5.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT .................................. .................................. 10 5.1 Nakivubo Channel Improvements ..0.................................................... LO 5.2 Auxiliary Works ..................................................................... 1Q 5.2.1 ClocktowerRoundabout ..0.................................................. i 5.2.2 Lugogo /UgandaManufacturers 'Association 's (A) Showground ................. 11 5.2.3 Kafumbe Road/Kisenyi Lane Junction ................................................................. 11 5.2.4 Makerere Road /Aga Khan Secondary School ...................................................... 11 6.0 DESCRIPTION OFTTHE ENVIRONMENT AT THE PROPOSED PROJECT SITES ....... 13 6.1 Project Location ..................................................................... 13 6.2 Description of Features ..................................................................... 13 6.2.1 Land Use ..................................................................... 13  62.2 Natural Physical Resources (Air, Water, Soil) ..................................................... 14 6.2.2.1 Air Quality ..................................................... 14 6.2.2.2 Water Quality ..................................................... 14 6 2.2.3 Soils ..................................................... 14 6.2.3 Natural Biological Resources ..................................................... 14 6.2.3.1 Flora ..................................................... 14 62.3.2Fauna ..................................................... 14 6.2.4 Economic Development ..................................................... 15 6.2.4. 1IndustrialArea ..................................................... 15 6.2.4.2Markets, Car Parks and Bus Stations ..................................................... 15 6 2.4.3Railway Station and Yards ..................................................... 15 6.2.5 Socio-economic Status ..................................................... 16 6 2.5. 1 Residential and Commercial Areas ............................................................. 1 6 6.2.5.2Meadows and Waterlogged Surfaces . 16 6.2.6 Quality of Life Issues .. 16 6.2.7 Environmentally Sensitive Areas of Special or Unique Scientific, Socio-economic or Cultural Value .. 17 7.0 SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ... 18 7.1 Beneficial Environmental Impacts .........................................................................1..... .... 18 7.1.1 NakivuboChannelDrainageImprovements ............................................... . 18 7.1.2 Auxiliary Works Improvements ................................................ 18 7.2 Adverse Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures .. . ................................................. 18 7.2.1 Construction Activities ................................................ 18 7.2.2 Vegetation Removal ................................................ 19 7.2.3 Soil Erosion and Soil Compaction ................................................ 19 7.2.4 Traffic Disruption ................................................ 20 7.2.5 Flow Diversion during Construction ................................................ 20 8.0 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES .................................................. 21 8.1 Introduction .............................................................2............................. ....... 21 8.2 Nalivubo Channel Drainage hnprovemnents ....................................................................2....... 1 8.2.1 7The No Action Option ....... 21 &2.2 DesigningforMaximum Probable Flood . .21 8.2.3 Covered Concrete Channel ..21 9.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND TRAINING ...22 9.1 Management Organisation ..22 9.2 Personnel ..22 9.3 Resources ..22 9.4 Training .22 10.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN ..23 10.1 Surface Water Monitoring (location, parameters, frequency .23 10.2 Rainfall Data Monitoring .23 10.3 Flood Damage Assessment. 24 11.0 IMPACT MONITORING ..25  12.0 INTER-AGENCY AND PUBLIC/NGO/PRIVATE SECTOR INVOLVEMENT .................. 26 12.1 Interaction with the National Environmental Management Agency ....................................... 26 12.2 Other Beneficiaries and Affected Groups .............................................................. 26 12.3 Other Key Stakeholders .............................................................. 26 LIST OF REFERENCES .............................................................. 27  EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. The Nakivubo Channel is the main stonnwater drainage channel for the city of Kampala. More than ninety-five percent (95%) of the developed central urban area of the city drains into this channel. The main channel starts from springs located between Bat Valley Wandegeya and Makerere Kivulu to the northwest of the city, runs southwards for some three kilometres to Clocktower Roundabout, then turns eastwards for approximately five kilometres, through the Industrial Area of Kampala before entering the swamp which leads to Lake Victoria, between Port Bell and Ggaba. The existing channel is approximately 9 kilometres long, with a catchment area of approximately 27 km2. 2. The Nakivubo Channel has not been adequately maintained or repaired. Much silting has occurred and there are numerous areas where flow is severely restricted. There has also been increase in development within the catchment, resulting in greatly increased stormwater runoff and peak flows. All these have resulted in reducing the capacity of the channel and causing frequent flooding of adjacent areas. The problem has created the need for the rehabilitation of the channel so that it can accommodate the storm water volume. 3. The proposed Nakivubo Channel Rehabilitation Project (NCRP) includes deepening and widening of the channel over most of its length, to accommodate the 1 in 10 year return period storm flow. In addition, various portions ofthe channel will be lined with stone masonry, stone-filled gabions and mattresses and reinforced concrete. 4. One of the requirements for the Nakivubo Channel Rehabilitation Project is the conducting of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to examine, analyze and assess the environmental soundness and sustainability of the proposed project. 5. From the overall assessment of the proposed rehabilitation of Nakivubo Channel, the project presents beneficial impacts towards: * Reduction in number of flooding events in urbanised areas; * Reduction in flood levels in the Nakivubo Channel flood plain; Enhanced aesthetics of the Nakivubo Channel (planting of trees, channel alignment, channel lning, pedestrian footbridges, vehicular culverts and bridges); * Improved access (provision of footbridges); * Reduction of pollution levels (repair of leaking sewers, provision of trash screens across the channel at several locations, increased number of solid waste containers, improved solid waste collection); * Improved traffic circulation (widening of key bridges and culverts, reduction in flooding incidents); * Reduced economic impacts of flooding on commercial activities; * Inmproved access for pedestrians during minstorm events (reduced ponding); and * Increase property values in the vicinity of the Nakivubo Channel. 6. The rehabilitation of Nakivubo Channel will have minimum negative impact on the ecology of the immediate area alongside the channel and in areas of raw material extraction. The various impacts include effects on flora and fauna, soil compaction, soil erosion, alteration of landscape, decreased aesthetics and other ecological risks during construction of the project. All these impacts will be effectively mitigated by the contractor and the Kampala City Council.  -2 - 7. This Environmental hmpact Assessment notes appropriate mitigation measures which will be taken to address the environmental impacts during and following implementation of the project. Responsibilities of various agencies during the construction and operation of the channel are identified. An environmental monitoring system is also provided. Most of the adverse environmental impacts, during the construction phase, will be short-term. Mitigation measures are included in the contract document in order to ensure proper mitigation and effective monitoring. An altemative to the rehabilitation of the Nakivubo Channel would be to construct a new channel. This alternative is less favourable because it poses greater environmental impacts compared to the rehabilitation project due to the topography of the catchment and the existing developments and is more expensive. 8. Alternatives to the proposed rehabilitation project include (a) No action, (b) designing to the maximum probable Flood (MPF), and (c) covering large sections of the channel. Option (a) is not politically acceptable, options (b) and (c) are not economically viable at this time. 9. No significant adverse long-term environmental impacts resulting from project implementation have been identified.  1. BACKGROUND TO TIHE NAKIVUBO CHANNEL REHABILITATION PROJECT 1.1 Introduction I . The City of Kampala is built on a series of hills which have moderate to steep slopes, typically in the range 10-25%. More than 95% of the presently developed central urban area of Kampala drains into the Nakivubo Channel, a natural drainage channel some 9 kilometers in length which discharges into Murchison Bay, Lake Victoria. The total catchment area for the Nakivubo Channel is approximately 27 km2. 2. At the present time, and owing to the present inadequate carrying capacity of the channel, serious flooding of certain parts of town occur several times a year, causing considerable disruption to traffic flows, flooding of industrial and other facilities, and consequent economic loss. Most flooding problems associated with city roads in Kampala occur in the lower Nakivubo catchment downstream of Entebbe Road. Other roads which are flooded during heavy rains include Allen Road and Nakivubo Place. 3. The Nakivubo Channel has been channelized in the past as increasing development within Kampala has created higher runoff and reduced time of concentration for peak discharge flows, leading to greatly increased peak stormwater discharge flows. 4. The present condition ofthe Nakivubo Channel prevents it from perfonming as intended. The channel is heavily silted, and there is an abundance of debris along most sections, preventing it from operating at its maximum carrying capacity. Parts of the channel have been lined in the past, although several parts have been washed away. Several stretches of the channel have no definite cross-section due to erosion of the side banks. 5. The present design capacity ofthe channel is not known. The channel is crossed by several water and sewerage pipes, which trap debris carried down the channel, thereby reducing the channel's already limited discharge carrying capacity. The channel is also crossed by a number of road and railway bridges as well as pedestrian crossings. 6. Substantial development has taken place within the channel's floodplain in the past, encroaching on the channel width and further restricting the overall discharge capacity of the channel. Land acquisition problems limit the potential for significant widening of the present channel reserve, without resulting in protracted land acquisition and possible resettlement issues. 7. The channel is generally considered to be in a poor state, owing to lack of proper maintenance over the last several years. There is therefore a perceived need to rehabilitate the channel, in order to correct existing deficiencies and increase its flow carrying capacity, as well as to make provisions for effective operation and maintenance following its completion.  -4 - 1.2 Scope of the First Urban Project 8. The IDA-financed First Urban Project (FUP), Credit 2206-UG, seeks to support the Government's efforts to decentralize responsibility for the planning, design and management of service delivery to local authorities. The project includes the following objectives: a) Improving living conditions and alleviating poverty in Kampala by restoring key infrastructure services and related maintenance activities; b) Improving urban financial management by i) strengthening the revenue base of KCC, and ii) promoting sound urban cost recovery policies; c) Strengthening institutional capacity by i) supporting decentralised local urban management; ii) increasing Ministry of Local Government's capacity to assist local authorities to increase their revenue base and strengthen financial management; and iii) increasing KCC's capacity to manage urban land development. 9. The project has helped restore some of KCC's credibility with respect to markets administration, refuse collection and disposal, and the provision and maintenance of infrastructure, particularly roads and storm drainage networks. 1.3 Scope of Nakivubo Channel Rehabilitation Project 10. The scope of the Nakivubo Channel Rehabilitation Project (NCRP) consists of drainage improvements and upgrading within the Nakivubo Channel drainage catchment area, including the Nakivubo Channel from north of Kampala to the point of discharge in a swamp about 3 km from Murchison Bay. The works to be carried out include: e Repair, rehabilitation, localized realignment, deepening and widening of the Nakivwbo Channel to increase the channel discharge capacity to correspond with the 1:10 year design return period stonn. This will reduce or eliminate recurrent flooding in parts of Kampala, including the Clocktower Roundabout and the Industrial Area; * Widening of culvert and bridge crossings as required to enable free discharge of the 1:100 year design return period storm through each of the culverts and bridges; * In conjunction with culvert and bridge widening, lengthening of some culvert and bridge crossings, including the culvert under Entebbe Road, to improve traffic flow and reduce traffic congestion; and * Auxiliary works to improve drainage of localized "Black Spots" both near the main channel and along its tributaries, in order to help eliminate water ponding.  -5- 2.0 EXISTING DRAINAGE PROBLEMS FACING KAMPALA CITY 1. The extent and cause of flooding in individual areas of Kampala are discussed in the following subsections. 2.1 Clocktower Roundabout and Surrounding Area 2. This is probably the area where the most disruptive flooding occurs. The flooding is attributable to insufficient stormwater discharge-carrying capacity of the Nakivubo Channel, as well as to blocked or inefficient storm water drainage in the general vicinity of the Roundabout. A tributary from Katwe to the Nakivubo Channel in the area near the Clocktower Roundabout also contributes to flooding of the Pan African Park and surrounding area. 3. After moderately heavy rains, flooding occurs around the Clocktower Roundabout and along Entebbe Road, as well as railway land east of the Clocktower Roundabout, and on both sides of the by- pass road. The depth of flooding that occurs is sufficient to prevent cars and light vehicles from negotiating the Roundabout. This Roundabout is one of the most important access points between the Kampala city center and the main roads leading south towards Entebbe and its international airport on Lake Victoria, and west towards the west and south-west of Uganda. 4. The Nakivubo Channel often overtops, flooding the low-lying areas adjacent to the by-pass road, including the sports field adjacent to the Police Training School on the far side of the by-pass road. Much of the land adjacent to this by-pass road is lower than the road surface, which does not generally flood. 2.2 Industrial Area 5. Lack of carrying capacity in the Nakivubo Channel contributes to the severe flooding problems which occur in the Industrial Area, notably Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Streets, and Kibira Road which are seriously damaged during periodic flooding after major rainstorm events. In addition, surface water takes some time to drain from the road surface in these areas, further aggravating the problems of pavement damage. 6. The Industrial Area drains into the Nakivubo Channel through some seven outlets located behind Sixth Street, and one outlet located to the east of Fifth Street behind the oil depot. All of these outlets are drowned during periods of high flow in the Nakivubo channel, which results in severe restriction in their carrying capacity. Since most of the drainage systems in this part of the Industial Area have recently been repaired and improved, it would appear that the major remaining measure which can be taken is the rehabilitation of the Nakivubo Channel itself. 2.3 Other Problem Drainage Areas (Black Spots) 7. A number of locations have been identified where, owing to improper drainage, the water is unable to find its way down to the Nakivubo Channel without causing localised flooding. These areas include: the crossing of a tributary at Kafumbe Road/Kisenyi Junction, Lugogo Channel and a drain from across Coronation Avenue, a tributary crossing Makerere Road at the Aga Khan Schools.  - 6 - 3.0 POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK 3.1 National Environmental Statute (1995) 1. The National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) was created in 1995 under the National Environmental Statute. In accordance with this statute, NEMA is responsible for the management of the environment and shall co-ordinate, monitor and supervise all activities in the field of the environment. 2. The National Environmental Statute (1995) covers national environmental policy in Uganda. Several sections of the statute contain provisions which may affect the Nakivubo Channel Rehabilitation Project. These provisions include the following sections which may be of relevance to the NCRP. O Section 20: Environmental Impact Assessment - In accordance with this section of the statute, developers are required to prepare an Environmental Impact Assessment if the lead agency in consultation with NEMA is of the view that the project: * "may have an impact on the environment; * is likely to have a significant impact on the environment; or * will have a significant impact on the environment." C Section 24: Environmental Monitoring - In accordance with this section of the statute, NEMA shall, in consultation with a lead agency, monitor the operation of the project with a view to determining its immediate and long-term effects on the environment, using appointed inspectors under Section 80 of the statute. O Section 27: Standards for Discharge of Effluent into Water - in accordance with this section of the Statute, NEMA may, in consultation with the lead agency provide standards for the discharge of effluents into water. 3.2 The Water Statute (Commencement) Instrument (1995) 3. The Water Statute (Commencement) Instrument (1995) covers operation of water services in Uganda. Several sections of the statute contain provisions which may affect the NCRP. These provisions include the following sections which may be of relevance to the NCRP: O Section 99(1): Interference with works - In accordance with this section of the statute, "A person shall not cause or allow to cause or allow any works acquired, constructed or operated under this statute to be interrupted, interfered with, altered, moved, damaged or destroyed, except as provided in the statute." O Section 99(3): In accordance with this section of the statute, " In any proceedings for an offence under this section, proof of the existence of any structure, obstuction or device on land capable of causing an interruption, interference, alteration, movement, damage or destruction is prima face evidence that on internption, interference, alteration, movement, damage or destruction occurred attthe time that structure, obstruction or device is proved to have existed."  - 7 - O Section 100(1): Tampering with Works - in accordance with this section ofthe statute, a person shall not: (a) Uncover or expose any main, pipe, or other underground works vested in a water authority; (b) Willfully or negligently break, damage, injure, open, alter or obstruct any main, pipe, meter or other works vested in a water authority; and (c) Alter the index of any meter or prevent or impend any meter from duly registering the quantity of water supplied, except with the permission of the responsible water authority. O Section 101: Structures - in accordance withthis section ofthe statutes: (1) A person shall not, without the consent of authority cause or allow: (a) a structure to be built, or filling to be placed on land in which the authority has a proprietary interest; (b) a structure to be built, or filling to be placed within four meters of any works of an authonty, (c) any soil, rock, or other matter that supports, protects or covers any works of any authority to be removed. (2) An application for an authority's consent under subsection (i) shall be made in the manner prescribed by the authority and shall be accompanied by plans and other infornation that the authority may require. (3) A person, who, with the consent of any authority, causes or allows anything referred to in subsection (i) to be done shall make sure that it is done in accordance with any conditions which the authority gave with the consent if any. (4) If a structure has been built or filling placed on land contrary to this section, an authority may, by notice in writing to the owner or occupier of the land, require the occupier or owner to alter, remove or relocate the structure or filling within the time specified in the notice, whether or not the structure was built or the filling placed by or on behalf of the owner or occupier. (5) If a person to whom a notice is given under subsection (4) does not comply with the notice within the time specified, or any longer time allowed by the authorit, the authority may: (a) Carry out the requirernents of the notice; and (b) Recover from that person its reasonable costs of carrying out paragraph (a); or (c) Exercise the powers conferred on it by section 95. (6) Consent given by an authority under subsection (3) shall be binding upon the applicant, his heirs, successors and assignees and the owner or occupiers for the time being of the land, whether or not that person has notice of the consent or the conditions thereof. (7) A person who contravenes the provisions of this section or causes or allows any person to contravene the provision of this section or any condition attached to any approval of an authority comnmits an offence.  - 8 - 3.3 The National Policy for Conservation and Management of Wetland Resources (1995) 4. The National Policy for Conservation and Management of Wetland Resources (1995), issued by the Ministry of Water Resources, Uganda, provides guidance on environmentally sound management and sustainable use of wetlands. The document issues specific guidelineson (a) water balance activities, and (b) procedures to be followed by prospective wetland resource developers. 3.3.1 WaterBalanceActivities The National Policy document provides the following guidance on water balance activities: a) Users of a wetland must ensure that the overall water balance is maintained so that the surface does not dry out. Ridging and trenching may be performed within the wetland, allowing the growth of crops requiring drier soils, as long as the water level does not fall below about 0.5 metres from the top of the ridge. A wetland shall under no circumstances be drained. b) Bunding of fields to control the water level within the wetland must similarly ensure that the water table does not fall below about 0.5 metres of the soil surface. 3.3.2 Procedures to befollowed by Prospective WedlandResourceDevelopers The National Policy document provides the following guidance on procedures to be followed by prospective wetland resources developers: Unless the total area to be developed is less than 0.25 hectares, or as may be determined by the authority, any developer shall provide an approved environmental impact assessment based on the following: a) Identify the wetland on a map at a scale of 1:50,000 and describe the current use of the wetland. b) Describe the intended use of the wetland development by: (i) Stating whether the use is for the benefit of an individual, a private company, society or a community organisation. (ii) Providing a detailed description of the proposed activity e.g. fanning, fishing, (iii) Demonstrating that the proposed activity benefits the community, the economy and that it is both environmentally sound and sustainable. c) The completed application and the EIA should be sent to the District Authorities, and copied to the Department concemed with Environment Protection, after approval by the LC1, LC2, LC3 committees inthe area concemed. d) Any costs involved will be borne by the developer.  -9 - 4.0 PROPOSED ENVIRONMENTALLY APPROPRIATE STRATEGY FOR IMPROVED DRAINAGE 4.1 Improvements to Nakivubo Channel 1. The following environmentally appropriate strategy is proposed for improvements to Nakivubo Channel: (i) Designing the channel with a view to reducing or eliminating the incidence of flooding in Kampala during significant storm events; (ii) Identification and appropriate zoning of areas within the Nakivwbo Channel catchment which will remain at risk due to 1:100 year return period rainstorm events, e.g. recreational use; (iii) Reducing the adverse economic impacts due to flooding of major roads, including intersections such as Clocktower Roundabout, in low-lying areas both in the business district and Industrial Areas within Kampala, (iv) Reduction in solid waste discharge down the channel to its point of discharge in the swampy areas adjacent to Murchison Bay, Lake Victoria, through incorporation of trash screens into the channel design; (v) Enhancing the appearance of the channel through appropriate use of design standards and beautification program, including footpaths and trees; (vi) Improving living conditions for a large percentage of the population of Kampala during and after rainstorms. 4.2 Other Improvements (Auxiliary Works to Address Black Spots) 2. The following environmentally appropriate strategy is proposed for other improvements within the Nakivubo drainage catchment area, to address Black Spots: (i) Identification of key areas (Black Spots) within the Nakivubo Channel catchment area where auiliary works drainage works are required in order to limit other major flooding problems. These areas include: (a) the Clocktower Roundabout; (b) the LugogoJUMA Showground; (c) the Kafumbe Road/Kisenyi Lane Junction; and (d) Makerere Road / Aga Khan Secondary School. (ii) Implementation of the "Black Spot" emergency drainage work program with a view to reducing the adverse economic impacts due to flooding of major roads and properties. (iii) Selection of environmentally suitable construction materials, including locally quarried stone for channel lining where appropriate. (iv) Application of enviromnentally appropriate constuction methods.  - 10- 5.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5.1 Nakivubo Channel Improvements 1. The following are being considered: (i) Selection of channel design criteria, including appropriate return-period design storm, and channel design life, based on engineering, environmental, social, economic, financial and physical criteria; (ii) Review of project conceptual design altematives, economic analysis, and selection of least cost alternative to meet the design, including environmental criteria; (iii) Selections of appropriate construction materials, both for the channel sides and bottom, and associated structures including bridges and culverts. Environmentally appropriate construction materials which are being considered for the channel lining include: (a) grassed earth side slopes; (b) stone masonry; (c) stone-filled, wire mesh gabions and mattresses; and (d) reinforced concrete for side slopes and retaining walls. (iv) Incorporation of appropriate mitigation measures into the designs, in accordance with NEMA and IDA environmental guidelines; (v) Widening of existing structures including box culverts and bridges, with sufficient capacity to handle the 1:100 year flood discharge without overtopping; (vi) Implementation of the construction of the improvement works for the drainage channel, over two or more years, including construction supervision, with full application of environmental guidelines as agreed with NEMA and IDA; (vii) Preparation of a long-term project management plan, including operations and maintenance plan (both routine and periodic), following construction and handover of the channel by the contractor to the client, to ensure the long-term protection both of the works and of the environment. 5.2 Auxiliary Works 2. The following improvements to the Nakivubo Drainage catchment area are proposed as part of the auxiliary works: 5.2.1 Clocktower Roundabout The aim is to eliminate the flooding which occurs after heavy rains by improving the stormwater drainage system. Proposed improvements include: (i) Construction of open stone-pitched drains; (ii) Construction of open concrete-lined drains; (iii) Construction of culverts across the roads in the vicinity of the Clocktower Roundabout, in order to increase the rate of storm water flow across the roads. Culverts will be precast concrete pipes and in situ constructed rectangular concrete box culverts; (iv) Clearing of existing underground drains along Entebbe Road, Queensway, Mengo Hill Road, and Nakivubo Place Road; (v) Construction of larger stormwater catchpits along Entebbe Road and Queensway, to replace the existing smaller 150mm - 200mm catchpits.  - 11 - 5.2.2 Lugogo/Uganda Manufacturers'Association 'sShowground The aim is to eliminate the flooding which occurs after heavy rains by improving the flow of the Lugogo Channel and the drain from Uganda Manufacturers' Association's (UMA) Showground across Coronation Avenue. Proposed improvements include: (i) Widening and concrete lining about 100m of Lugogo Channel and the drain from UMA Showground; (ii) Construction of stone-lined and unlined catchwater drain along Coronation Avenue; (iii) Construction of access culverts (prefabricated concrete pipes) across the catchwater drain; (iv) Construction of larger stormwater catchpits along Coronation Avenue between the Lugogo Channel and UMA Showground; (v) Construction of new larger culverts to replace existing ones across Coronation Avenue for Lugogo Channel and a drain from UMA Showground; (vi) Cleaning Lugogo Channel downstream of new culverts upto Nakivubo channel. 5.2.3 Kafumbe Road /Kisenyi Lane Junction The aim is to eliminate the flooding of the area from the tributary nearby. The flooding is due to a lot of silt and debris which travels along the tributary and blocks the pipe culvert across the junction. Also, due to the flat terrain in the area, the slope of the existing culvert is very small and this contributes to the deposition of silt and consequent blockage of the drain and culverts. Proposed improvements include: (i) Demolishing and removal of part of the existing precast concrete pipe culverts; (ii) Replacement with rectangular concrete culvert, blockage of the pipe culverts which have been left in place, and diversion of the drainage channel water to the adjacent existing open drain; (iii) Construction of a new drain from the outlet of the proposed rectangular culvert to the existing drain between Owino Market and Nakivubo Stadium; (iv) Reconstruction of the existing drain between Owino Market and Nakivubo Stadium, including widening of part of the channel and lining with stone masonry; (v) Reconstruction of adjacent Kisenyi Lane over the proposed rectangular culvert. 5.2.4 MakerereRoad/Aga K/han Secondary School The aim is to eliminate flooding of the area from the tributary nearby. The flooding is due to the inadequacy of the culvert in the tributary, which comprises two concrete pipes. A larger culvert would replace these pipes, and the channel lined over a short distance downstream of the culvert. Proposed improvements include: (i) Demolishing the existing culverts and replacing it with twin box culverts; (ii) Trimming and shaping the channel over a distance of 50 m upstream and downstream of the culvert, and lining with stone masonry, cleaning the tributary up to Nakivubo Channel;  - 12 - (iii) Construction of a silt trap 50 m upstream of the culvert; and (iv) Reconstruction of a section of the road over the proposed culvert.  - 13 - 6.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT AT THE PROPOSED PROJECT SITES 6.1 Project Location 1. The Nakivubo Channel originates within the city of Kampala, capital of Uganda. The Nakivubo Channel is a natural drainage channel some 9 km in length which discharges into Murchison Bay, Lake Victoria. The total catchment area for the Nakivubo Channel is approximately 27 kIn'. 2. The Nakivubo Channel is the main stormwater drainage channel for the city of Kampala. More than ninety-five percent (95%) of the developed central urban area of the city drains into this channel. 3. The main channel starts from a spring located between Bat Valley, Wandegeya and Makerere Kivulu to the northwest of the city, runs southwards for some 3 km to Clocktower Roundabout in the Central Business District, then tums eastwards, through the Industrial Area of Kampala before discharging into Nakivubo swamp located between Luzira, Port Bell and Ggaba adjacent to Murchison Bay, Lake Victoria. 4. The channel was the object of some realignment, widening and lining with concrete and stone dressed masonry in 1939. The only works which have been carried out for the channel since that date include minor repairs to the channel lining, and occasional desilting of the channel. 6.2 Description of Features 6.2.1 Land Use The first 900 m of the channel from its spring source near Makerere Hill Road to the vicinity of Kisekka Road culvert runs through predominantly undeveloped land, much of which is under cultivation. From Kisekka Road culvert to Entebbe Road Bridge, over a distance of approximately 1700 m, the channel runs through predominantly developed areas of Kampala, and is adjacent to important landmarks including Nakivubo Stadium, the Owino Market, Nakivubo Primary School, the Central Business District and the Clocktower Roundabout on Entebbe Road. From Entebbe Road Bridge to Fiffh Street Bridge, over a distance of approximately 4300 m, the channel runs alongside predominantly open or partially developed areas including the Uganda Railway Corporation railway yards and main lines, and the Industrial Area of Kampala. From Fifth Street Bridge up to the point of discharge of the channel in the Nakivubo swamps adjacent to Murchison Bay, over a distance of approximately 2000 m, the channel runs through predominantly undeveloped flood plains, much of which are under cultivation.  - 14 - 6.2.2 Natural Physical Resources (Air, Water, Soil) 62.2.1 Air Quality There are relatively few industries which affect air quality in the project area. Some of the main air polluting activities include fuel gas from Mukwano soap industry and the obnoxious smell from the city abattoir. 6.2.2.2 Water Quality There are several point sources and other sources of pollution of the Nakivubo Channel. These include damaged sewage pipes running along the channel and the Meat Packers/Municipal abattoir. Solid waste: There is physical evidence that significant quantities of solid waste are dumped illegally, either directly into the Nakivubo Channel, or in some of its several tributaries. Solid wastes include domestic wastes comprising organic and inorganic wastes such as plastic containers, vegetable waste, food waste, papers, glass, and waste cans/metals. There is also evidence of illegal dumping of non-domestic wastes including commercial and industrial wastes, including glass, metal, plastics, gasing wastes, batteries, waste concrete, organic wastes, medical and hazardous wastes. 6.2.2.3 Soils The soils in the project area are primarily clay of sandy-silty matrix. 6.2.3 Natural Biological Resources 6.2.3.1 Flora Flora within the project area includes Eucalyptus spp plantation at the beginning of the channel. Further down along the channel, some areas are overgrown with wetland vegetation, including papyrus. The channel banks have herbaceous communities. Information gathered while canrying out the Environmental Impact Assessment indicates that in general, the flora in the project area present minimal conservation conflicts because they are neither endangered species nor limited geographically to this region. They do not appear in any know-list of endangered species. 6.2.3.2 Fauna Fauna of the project area consists primarily of small mammals such as rats and other rodents, birds, bats, reptiles and insects. In the papyms zone there are small mammals such as Lophuromysflavopunctus and L Sikapusi (common brush-furred rats), Dasymus incomfus (shaggy rat), Lemnicomys natalensis (common striped grass rat) and Mus minutoides (pigmy mouse). Information gathered while carrying out the Environmental Impact Assessment indicates that in general, the fauna in the project area present minimal conservation conflicts because they are neither endangered species nor  - 15 - limited geographically to this region. They do not appear in any know-list of endangered species. 6.2.4 Economic Development 62.4.1 Industrial Area The Industrial Area, which covers approximately 59 hectares or 29% of the total Nakivubo Channel catchment area, is the largest industrial estate in Uganda. It is built on reclaimed land, which forms part of the swampy floodplain of the Nakivubo Channel. The Industrial Area lies on either side of the channel and its main tributaries, the Kitante and Lugogo channels. There are over 200 industrial and commercial companies, including international joint ventures, located in the Industrial Area. The lower part of the Industrial Area, which includes the whole length of Sixth and Seventh Streets, and parts of Fifth Street and Kabira Road, are seriously affected by frequent flooding due to discharge capacity constraints in the Nakivubo Channel. 62.4.2 Markets, Car Parks and Bus Stations The markets, car parks and bus stations cover an area of approximately 11 hectares or 5% of the channel's catchment. They are located along the busy commercial area of Nakivubo Road. Kisekka Market, the New Taxi Park, the Sauri Yako Market, the Bus Park and Owino Market all lie either along Allen Road or Nakivubo Place, both of which are prone to flooding, and are located adjacent to the channel along its upper reach. Owino Market is the most important market area, covering almost 4 hectares. The market comprises a central haU with some 470 lock-up shops and 4,700 stalls, sheds, tables and infoimal selling places on open ground. The market is the most popular food and commodity market in Kampala. Daily attendance is estimated to be upward of 90,000 customers per day, seven days a week. 6.2.4.3 Railway Station and Yards The railway station is the terminus of the line, which originates in Mombasa, Kenya. The railway yards cover an area of approximately 15 hectares, or 7% of the channel's catchment area. The railway yards receive and transport crops including coffee, tea, cotton and sesame for export. The railway is also used for the transport of animal products. The lower part of the railway yards is subject to frequent flooding, which adversely affects handling and trade in commodities. This causes strong protests from customers, many of whom elect to use alternative means of trasport, to the detiment of the railway.  - 16 - 6.2.5 Socio-economic Status 6.2.5.1 Residential and Commercial Areas This Nakivubo Channel catchment area includes: (a) residential and mixed use buildings (approximately 6 hectares, or 3% of the catchment area), (b) public and community buildings (approximately 10 hectares or 5% of the catchment area), and (c) streets and Roundabouts (approximately 8 hectares or 4% of the catchment area). Residential and mixed use buildings are mainly concentrated in the central part of the flooded areas, along Nsambya and Kibuli Roads. They mostly comprise institutional housing estates for families of police officers and railway employees. Public and community buildings are to be found throughout the upper reaches of catchment area within Kampala City, with a high concentration in the vicinity of Clocktower Roundabout, a flood-prone area. They include schools, sports fields and recreational areas. Streets and Roundabouts are to be found throughout the catchment area within Kampala City. Those streets and Roundabouts, which are subject to periodic flooding, include Clocktower Roundabout, which is one of the busiest intersections in Kampala and is probably the worst affected by flooding. Other affected areas include the entire length of Sixth and Seventh Streets, parts of Allen Street, Nakivubo Place, Nakivubo area by-pass, Kibuli Road and Press House Road, and the lower section of Fifth Street and Kibira Road. 6.2.5.2 Meadows and Waterlogged Surfaces Meadows and waterlogged surfaces are to be found almost exclusively in the middle and lower reaches of the Nakivubo Channel, downstream of Fifth Street Bridge, where the channel enters a swampy area where patches of reclaimed land are cultivated by local farmers, mainly for yam and cassava. Beyond the final railway crossing over the Nakivubo Channel, the channel flow discharges into the Nakivubo swamp. 6.2.6 Quality of Life Issues There are many streets, shops and markets, as well as bus stations located along the upper reaches of the Nakivubo Channel within Kampala, particularly between Kisekka Road culvert and Entebbe Road Bridge next to Clocktower Roundabout. In these areas, there is a high concentration of pedestrians and/or cars or other means of transport during most of the day. There are frequent flooding events along this section of the channel during the rainy season. These flooding events seriously affect the roads in the area, and disrupt both commercial and social activities of the population in the area. It is not unusual for the depth of water to reach 0.5 metres in some locations, notably at the Clocktower Roundabout, seriously disrupting traffic flow in the area.  - 17- 6.2.7 Environmentally SensitiveAreas of Special or Unique Scienfifc, Socio-economic or Cultural Value None of the areas, which are affected by the proposed project, contain areas of special or unique scientific, socio-economic or cultural value, which would be likely to be adversely affected by the proposed NCRP. Several of the areas along the length of the Nakivubo Channel have socio-economic activities which would be enhanced by the proposed NCRP, due to the elimination or significant reduction in the number of flooding incidents expected after the proposed rehabilitation works.  - 18 - 7.0 SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 7.1 Beneficial Environmental Impacts 7.1.1 Nakivubo ChannelDrainageImprovements The primary objective of the NCRP is to improve the flow discharge capacity of the Nakivubo Channel, and thereby reduce or eliminate the number of flooding incidents and consequent adverse impacts on the population in the affected areas. Construction of the Nakivubo Channel improvement works will result in the following beneficial impacts: * Reduction in number of flooding events in the affected areas; * Reduction in flood levels in the Nakivubo Channel flood plain; * Enhanced aesthetics of the Nakivubo Channel (planting of trees, channel alignment, channel lining, pedestrian footbridges, vehicular culverts and bridges); * Improved access (provision of footpaths); * Reduced pollution levels (repair of leaking sewers, provision of trash screens across the channel at several locations);