E4464 REV MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Final Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) Report Table of Contents 0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................... 0-1 0.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 0-1 0.2 Project Description .................................................................................................................... 0-1 0.3 Policy, legal and administrative framework .............................................................................. 0-3 0.4 Description of Baseline Environmental and Socio-Economic Conditions ................................ 0-4 0.5 Public Consultation, Community Participation And Grievance Redress Mechanism ............... 0-8 0.6 Analysis of project alternatives ................................................................................................. 0-9 0.7 Potential Environmental and Social Impacts ........................................................................... 0-10 0.8 Environmental And Social Management Plan (ESMP) ........................................................... 0-17 0.9 Monitoring & Institutional Strengthening ............................................................................... 0-27 0.10 Institutional Arrangements ...................................................................................................... 0-27 1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................. 1-1 1.1 Country Background.................................................................................................................. 1-1 1.2 Sectorial And Institutional Context ........................................................................................... 1-2 1.3 Project Rationale And Expected Benefits.................................................................................. 1-3 1.4 Expected Project Beneficiaries .................................................................................................. 1-6 1.5 Methodology .............................................................................................................................. 1-6 1.6 Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Process............................................................. 1-7 1.7 Screening ................................................................................................................................... 1-7 1.8 Modification to Terms of Reference for the ESIA .................................................................... 1-8 1.9 Consultations with Stakeholders................................................................................................ 1-8 1.10 Co-ordination among Environmental, Social and Engineering teams ....................................... 1-8 1.11 Structure of the Report .............................................................................................................. 1-9 2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION .............................................................................................................. 2-1 2.1 Physical Characteristics of the Project ...................................................................................... 2-1 2.2 Existing Conditions Along the Proposed Alignment for New Road ......................................... 2-2 3 POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK .................................................. 3-1 3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 3-1 3.2 Environmental Policy, Strategies & Law of Yemen.................................................................. 3-1 3.3 Requirement of EIA and Environmental Permission for Highway Projects ............................. 3-2 3.4 International Conventions and Treaties Signed By Yemen ....................................................... 3-2 3.5 Institutional Setup in Yemen ..................................................................................................... 3-3 3.6 Other Project Related Policies and Procedures.......................................................................... 3-4 3.6.1 Land Acquisition ....................................................................................................... 3-4 3.6.2 Social Development Policies ..................................................................................... 3-5 3.6.3 Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) ............................................................................ 3-5 3.6.4 Gender Policies ......................................................................................................... 3-5 3.7 Protected Areas .......................................................................................................................... 3-6 3.8 World Bank (WB) Safeguard Policies ....................................................................................... 3-6 3.8.1 OP/BP 4.01 Environmental Assessment .................................................................... 3-6 3.8.2 OP/BP 4.12 Involuntary Resettlement....................................................................... 3-7 Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -i MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 3.8.3 OP/BP 4.11 – Physical Cultural Resources .............................................................. 3-8 3.8.4 Mandatory Policies – BP 17.50 Bank Disclosure Policies ....................................... 3-8 3.8.5 Other WB Guidelines................................................................................................. 3-8 3.9 Saudi Fund For Development .................................................................................................... 3-8 3.10 Standards and Specifications for ESIA Study ........................................................................... 3-8 4 DESCRIPTION OF BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS ................................................................................................................................... 4-1 4.1 General....................................................................................................................................... 4-1 4.2 Influence Area of the Project ..................................................................................................... 4-1 4.3 Sources of Data for ESIA Study ................................................................................................ 4-1 4.4 Topography................................................................................................................................ 4-2 4.5 Soils and Geology ...................................................................................................................... 4-3 4.6 Climate and Meteorology .......................................................................................................... 4-6 4.7 Temperature ............................................................................................................................... 4-6 4.8 Humidity .................................................................................................................................... 4-6 4.9 Winds ......................................................................................................................................... 4-7 4.10 Air Quality ................................................................................................................................. 4-8 4.11 Noise ........................................................................................................................................ 4-15 4.12 Hydrology ................................................................................................................................ 4-19 4.13 Surface Water Resources ......................................................................................................... 4-19 4.14 Access to Groundwater Resources .......................................................................................... 4-20 4.15 Availability and Quality of Ground Water .............................................................................. 4-22 4.16 Ecology of the Project Area ..................................................................................................... 4-27 4.16.1 Flora of Project Area .............................................................................................. 4-27 4.17 Agricultural Land .................................................................................................................... 4-32 4.18 Fauna of Project Area .............................................................................................................. 4-32 4.19 Protected Area ......................................................................................................................... 4-33 4.20 Demographic profile and baseline survey results .................................................................... 4-34 4.20.1 Population ............................................................................................................... 4-34 4.20.2 Male/Female Population and Sex Ratio .................................................................. 4-35 4.20.3 Distribution of Rural and Urban Population .......................................................... 4-35 4.20.4 Household Details of Project Governorates ........................................................... 4-35 4.20.5 Household Size ........................................................................................................ 4-36 4.20.6 Household’s family type .......................................................................................... 4-36 4.20.7 Educational status of household members .............................................................. 4-36 4.20.8 Occupation of households members ........................................................................ 4-36 4.20.9 Households Annual Income ..................................................................................... 4-37 4.20.10 Possession of Durable Assets .................................................................................. 4-37 4.20.11 Health Status ........................................................................................................... 4-38 4.20.12 Indebtedness ............................................................................................................ 4-38 4.20.13 Migration................................................................................................................. 4-38 4.20.14 Access to Community Infrastructure ....................................................................... 4-39 4.20.15 Women’s Participation ............................................................................................ 4-39 4.21 Road Safety Aspects ................................................................................................................ 4-40 4.22 Land Use .................................................................................................................................. 4-40 4.23 Planned Development Activities ............................................................................................. 4-42 4.24 Recreation ................................................................................................................................ 4-42 Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -ii MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 4.25 Cultural Properties ................................................................................................................... 4-42 4.26 Indigenous People.................................................................................................................... 4-42 5 PUBLIC CONSULTATION, COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION AND GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM ................................................................................................................ 5-1 5.1 Public Consultations Process ..................................................................................................... 5-1 5.2 Issues raised and responses provided ........................................................................................ 5-5 5.3 Consultations with women groups............................................................................................. 5-7 5.4 Consultations with government officials ................................................................................... 5-9 5.5 Strategy for Consultations during post-ESIA and project implementation phase ................... 5-15 6 ANALYSIS OF PROJECT ALTERNATIVES .............................................................................. 6-1 6.1 Definition of Highway Alignment Alternatives ........................................................................ 6-1 6.2 Criteria for Environmental And Social Evaluation Of Alternatives .......................................... 6-2 6.3 Result of Evaluation of Corridor Alternatives ........................................................................... 6-3 6.4 List of Baseline Information Material Used During Evaluation of Alternative Corridors ........ 6-4 7 POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS ................................................... 7-1 7.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 7-1 7.2 Environmental Impacts .............................................................................................................. 7-1 7.3 Impacts on Physical Environment ............................................................................................. 7-1 7.3.1 Micro Climate ........................................................................................................... 7-1 7.3.2 Air Quality ................................................................................................................. 7-2 7.3.3 Dust ........................................................................................................................... 7-2 7.3.4 Vehicle Emissions ...................................................................................................... 7-3 7.3.5 Air pollution mitigation measures ........................................................................... 7-15 7.3.6 Noise and Vibration ................................................................................................ 7-15 7.3.7 Water Environment.................................................................................................. 7-17 7.3.8 Mitigation measures during construction stage: ..................................................... 7-17 7.3.9 Mitigation measures for operation stage: ............................................................... 7-18 7.3.10 Landscape and soil .................................................................................................. 7-18 7.3.11 Mitigation measures ................................................................................................ 7-20 7.4 Ecological Impacts .................................................................................................................. 7-21 7.4.1 Impacts on Flora ..................................................................................................... 7-22 7.4.2 Impacts on Fauna .................................................................................................... 7-23 7.4.3 Mitigation Measures................................................................................................ 7-23 7.4.4 Aden Bird Wetland .................................................................................................. 7-23 7.5 Social impacts during construction and pre-construction phase .............................................. 7-24 7.5.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 7-24 7.6 Social impacts .......................................................................................................................... 7-24 7.6.1 Estimate of overall permanent land acquisition and resettlement impacts ............. 7-25 7.6.2 Estimated land acquisition by category .................................................................. 7-26 7.6.3 Number of plots expropriated and people affected ................................................. 7-29 7.6.4 Estimated overall residential structures to be demolished...................................... 7-29 7.6.5 Estimate of commercial structures to be demolished .............................................. 7-30 7.6.6 Impact on Agricultural Land and Livelihoods ........................................................ 7-30 7.6.7 Estimated impact on other land attachment assets ................................................. 7-32 7.6.8 Introduction and definition of project affected persons .......................................... 7-32 Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -iii MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 7.6.9 Significance of land acquisition for agriculture livelihoods and commercial enterprises ............................................................................................................... 7-33 7.6.10 Persons affected by land acquisition ....................................................................... 7-34 7.6.11 Persons affected by demolition of houses................................................................ 7-34 7.6.12 Persons affected by demolition of commercial structures ....................................... 7-34 7.6.13 Estimation and analysis of total affected persons ................................................... 7-35 7.6.14 Definition and estimate of affected persons from vulnerable groups ...................... 7-35 7.6.15 Other potential social impacts ................................................................................ 7-36 7.6.16 Mitigation Measures................................................................................................ 7-37 7.7 Summary of Environmental & Social Impacts ........................................................................ 7-39 8 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) ..................................... 8-1 8.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 8-1 8.2 Environmental Enhancement ................................................................................................... 8-12 9 MONITORING & INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING ........................................................ 9-1 9.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 9-1 9.2 ESMP Budget .......................................................................................................................... 9-11 10 INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS ....................................................................................... 10-1 10.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 10-1 10.2 General Institutional Arrangements ......................................................................................... 10-1 10.2.1 Ministry of Public Works and Highways ................................................................. 10-1 10.2.2 Project Implementation Unit within MPWH ........................................................... 10-2 10.2.3 Capacity Building Plan for Environmental/Social Specialist at PIU...................... 10-4 10.2.4 Environmental Protection Agency........................................................................... 10-4 10.2.5 Supervision Consultants (ESMP Implementation) .................................................. 10-4 10.3 Specific arrangements for RAP Implementation ..................................................................... 10-5 10.3.1 High Supervisory Committee (HSC) for Land Acquisition and Resettlement ......... 10-7 10.3.2 Ministry of Public Works and Highways ................................................................. 10-8 10.3.3 Project Implementation Unit ................................................................................... 10-8 10.3.4 Technical Committee for Land Acquisition and Resettlement................................. 10-9 10.3.5 Governorate Compensation Committees............................................................... 10-10 10.3.6 Other governorate functions and local authorities ............................................... 10-11 10.4 Adaptive management arrangements ..................................................................................... 10-12 10.5 Grievance management system ............................................................................................. 10-12 10.5.1 Informing project-affected persons about complaint processes ............................ 10-13 10.5.2 Methods for lodging complaints ............................................................................ 10-13 10.5.3 Organizational arrangements for grievance review and appeal........................... 10-14 10.5.4 Performance standards for responding to grievances .......................................... 10-15 10.5.5 Recording grievances and status of response ....................................................... 10-15 Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -iv MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) List of Tables Table 0.1: ESMP during Pre-construction and Construction Phase ............................................................. 0-17 Table 0.2: ESMP during Operation / Maintenance Phase ........................................................................... 0-25 Table 2.1: List of Villages along the proposed Highway Corridor ................................................................. 2-3 Table 3.1: Government Policy, Strategies and Programs Relevant to Environmental Protection .................. 3-2 Table 3.2: Environmental and other Conventions Ratified by the Government, relevant to the Road Sector........................................................................................................................................... 3-3 Table 3.3: Organizations responsible during Project Implementation ............................................................ 3-3 Table 4.1: Geomorphological Zone along project area: Taiz to Aden............................................................ 4-3 Table 4.2: Soil Monitoring Results ................................................................................................................. 4-4 Table 4.3: Temperature data for Taiz and Aden ............................................................................................. 4-6 Table 4.4: Air Quality Monitoring Station Details ....................................................................................... 4-11 Table 4.5: Dates & Duration of Ambient Air Quality within study area ...................................................... 4-12 Table 4.6: Status of Ambient Air Quality within study area ........................................................................ 4-13 Table 4.7: Monitoring location details for project corridor .......................................................................... 4-17 Table 4.8: Noise Monitoring Results ............................................................................................................ 4-18 Table 4.9: Small Surface Water Resources................................................................................................... 4-19 Table 4.10: Access to Ground Water Resources........................................................................................... 4-21 Table 4.11: Water quality standards set by the Government of Yemen ....................................................... 4-24 Table 4.12: Ground Water Quality ............................................................................................................... 4-26 Table 4.13: Surface Water Quality ............................................................................................................... 4-27 Table 4.14: Important Plant Species Observed during the Field Study ........................................................ 4-28 Table 4.15: List of Trees to be affected along the Project Road Corridor .................................................... 4-31 Table 4.16: Fauna in the project area ............................................................................................................ 4-32 Table 4.17: List of the Declared Protected Areas in Yemen ........................................................................ 4-33 Table 4.18: Population of Project Governorates ........................................................................................... 4-34 Table 4.19: Male/Female Population ............................................................................................................ 4-35 Table 4.20: Sex Ratio in project area ............................................................................................................ 4-35 Table 4.21: Distribution of Rural/Urban Population .................................................................................... 4-35 Table 4.22: Urban/Rural Households ........................................................................................................... 4-35 Table 4.23: Household’s by family type ....................................................................................................... 4-36 Table 4.24: Educational status of household’s members .............................................................................. 4-36 Table 4.25: Occupation of household members............................................................................................ 4-37 Table 4.26: Households Annual Income ....................................................................................................... 4-37 Table 4.27: Possession of durable assets ...................................................................................................... 4-38 Table 4.28: Health Status along Project Area ............................................................................................... 4-38 Table 4.29: Access by households to community infrastructure along project area ..................................... 4-39 Table 4.30: Women’s Participation .............................................................................................................. 4-39 Table 4.31: Detailed breakdown of present use of the land to be acquired for the project ........................... 4-41 Table 5.1: Summary of consultation sessions ................................................................................................. 5-1 Table 5.2: Issues raised during consultations and responses provided ........................................................... 5-5 Table 5.3: Summary of women consultation sessions .................................................................................... 5-8 Table 5.4: Issues discussed by women groups and responses ....................................................................... 5-8 Table 5.5: Summary of consultations with Government officials .................................................................. 5-9 Table 5.6: Issues Discussed with Government Officials and Their Response .............................................. 5-14 Table 6.1: Summary of likely impacts for the three alternative corridors ...................................................... 6-3 Table 6.2: Areas of likely impacts identified during study of corridor alternatives ....................................... 6-7 Table 6.3: Green Corridor – environmental and social baseline information ............................................... 6-11 Table 6.4: Yellow Corridor – environmental and social baseline information ............................................. 6-14 Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -v MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Table 6.5: Blue Corridor – environmental and social baseline information ................................................. 6-17 Table 7.1: Predicted vehicle emissions - without project (Aden - Noubat Dokaim). ..................................... 7-4 Table 7.2: Predicted vehicle emissions with project (Aden – Noubat Dokaim) ............................................. 7-4 Table 7.3: Predicted vehicle emissions without project (Taiz to Noubat Dokaim) ........................................ 7-4 Table 7.4: Predicted vehicle emissions with project (Taiz to Noubat Dokaim) ............................................. 7-4 Table 7.5: Annual average hourly traffic volume during peak hours without project .................................... 7-6 Table 7.6: Annual average hourly traffic volume during peak hours with project ......................................... 7-6 Table 7.7: Emission factors in (gm/km) for different types of vehicles ......................................................... 7-6 Table 7.8: Increment in CO concentrations .................................................................................................. 7-7 Table 7.9: Increment in PM concentrations .................................................................................................... 7-7 Table 7.10: CO predicted concentrations along the highway for peak traffic hour (Without Project) ........... 7-8 Table 7.11: CO predicted concentrations (ppm) along the highway corridor for peak traffic hour (With Project) .............................................................................................................................. 7-9 Table 7.12: PM predicted concentrations (µg/m3) along the highway corridor for peak traffic hour (Without Project) ....................................................................................................................... 7-10 Table 7.13: PM predicted concentrations (µg/m3) along the highway corridor for peak traffic hour (With Project) ............................................................................................................................ 7-11 Table 7.14: Noise Levels of Construction Equipment .................................................................................. 7-15 Table 7.15: Excavation Quantities ................................................................................................................ 7-19 Table 7.16: Locations of Borrow Materials .................................................................................................. 7-19 Table 7.17: Locations of Aggregates Materials ............................................................................................ 7-20 Table 7.18: Summary of land acquisition and resettlement impacts ............................................................ 7-26 Table 7.19: Estimated Land Acquisition by Category and Governorate/District ........................................ 7-27 Table 7.20: Breakdown of Affected Land Plots by Category ....................................................................... 7-27 Table 7.21: Current use of land to be acquired ............................................................................................. 7-28 Table 7.22: Number of plots to be expropriated and No. of people affected ................................................ 7-29 Table 7.23: Estimated demolition of residential structures by Governorate ................................................. 7-29 Table 7.24: Estimated commercial structures demolition ............................................................................. 7-30 Table 7.25: Private Agricultural Land Plots to be acquired .......................................................................... 7-30 Table 7.26: Types of crops to be affected, by governorate ........................................................................... 7-31 Table 7.27: Number and types of trees to be affected .................................................................................. 7-31 Table 7.28: Impact on infrastructure and services ........................................................................................ 7-32 Table 7.29: Households affected through acquisition of agricultural land and shops .................................. 7-33 Table 7.30: Persons affected by land acquisition, by gender ........................................................................ 7-34 Table 7.31: Persons affected by demolition of housing, by gender .............................................................. 7-34 Table 7.32: Persons affected by demolition of Businesses Structures, by gender ........................................ 7-34 Table 7.33: Total Affected Persons, by type of loss ..................................................................................... 7-35 Table 7.34: Summary of Impacts Matrix for key impacts ............................................................................ 7-39 Table 8.1: ESMP during Construction Phase.................................................................................................. 8-2 Table 8.2: ESMP during Operation / Maintenance Phase ........................................................................... 8-11 Table 8.3: Environmental Enhancement ....................................................................................................... 8-12 Table 9.1: Environmental Parameter for Monitoring...................................................................................... 9-1 Table 9.2: Monitoring during Construction phase .......................................................................................... 9-4 Table 9.3: Monitoring During Operation / Maintenance Phase ...................................................................... 9-7 Table 9.4: Institutional Strengthening and Training for Implementation ..................................................... 9-10 Table 9.5: ESMP Budget .............................................................................................................................. 9-11 Table 9.6: Scheduling and Reporting............................................................................................................ 9-12 Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -vi MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) List of Figures Figure 2.1: Road Alignment Map ................................................................................................................... 2-4 Figure 2.2: Typical Cross-Section .................................................................................................................. 2-5 Figure 4.1: Geological Map of Yemen depicting the Road alignment ........................................................... 4-5 Figure 4.2: Wind Rose Taiz ............................................................................................................................ 4-7 Figure 4.3: Wind Rose Aden .......................................................................................................................... 4-8 Figure 4.4: Geographical position of different AAQMS with Project Road ................................................ 4-12 Figure 4.5: Geographical position of Noise Monitoring locations ............................................................... 4-18 Figure 4.6: Area Statistics in %age of the Land Use by category ................................................................ 4-41 Figure 6.1: Schematic plan of Green, Yellow and Blue alignments ............................................................. 6-10 Figure 6.2: Location of Blue, Green, Yellow and Purple alignments between Taiz and Noubat Dokaim ...................................................................................................................................... 6-19 Figure 6.3: Location of Blue, Green, Yellow and Purple alignments between Noubat Dokaim and Aden .......................................................................................................................................... 6-20 Figure 7.1: Composition of Traffic ................................................................................................................. 7-5 Figure 7.2: CO predicted concentrations (ppm) along the highway corridor receptor location Taiz ........... 7-12 Figure 7.3: CO predicted concentrations (ppm) along the highway corridor receptor location Noubat Dokaim ...................................................................................................................................... 7-12 Figure 7.4: CO predicted concentrations (ppm) along the highway corridor receptor location Aden .......... 7-13 Figure 7.5: PM predicted concentrations (µg/m3) along the highway corridor receptor location Taiz ........ 7-13 Figure 7.6: PM predicted concentrations (µg/m3) along the highway corridor receptor location Noubat Dokaim ......................................................................................................................... 7-14 Figure 7.7: PM predicted concentrations (µg/m3) along the highway corridor receptor location Aden ....... 7-14 Figure 10.1: Implementation Arrangements for ESMP and RAP ................................................................ 10-1 Figure 10.2: Organizational Structure for Land Acquisition and Resettlement ............................................ 10-6 Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -vii MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) List of Plates Plate 4.1: Stone cutting Unit ........................................................................................................................... 4-9 Plate 4.2: Industries in Al-Ganad area ............................................................................................................ 4-9 Plate 4.3: Cement Block Manufacturing Unit............................................................................................... 4-10 Plate 4.4: Moving vehicles creating air pollution ......................................................................................... 4-10 Plate 4.5: Pictures of Air-quality Monitoring ............................................................................................... 4-15 Plate 4.6: Noise Source in project Area – Diesel powered water pump ....................................................... 4-16 Plate 4.7: Tractor in agriculture field ............................................................................................................ 4-17 Plate 4.8: Warzan Wadi ................................................................................................................................ 4-20 Plate 4.9: Tuban Wadi in Lahj ...................................................................................................................... 4-20 Plate 4.10: Local people carrying water from well to village ....................................................................... 4-21 Plate 4.11: Girls filling water in container for transport to village ............................................................... 4-22 Plate 4.12: Qat Cultivation in Project Area .................................................................................................. 4-23 Plate 4.13: Extraction of groundwater for Qat Irrigation .............................................................................. 4-23 Plate 4.14: Over storey Vegetation (Trees) along the Project Corridor ........................................................ 4-30 Plate 4.15: Under Storey Vegetation (Shrubs) along the Project Road Alignment ...................................... 4-31 Plate 4.16: Aden Wetland Protected Sites .................................................................................................... 4-34 Plate 5.1: Social safeguards team discussing social issues with the Sheikh and PAPs representatives in Mawiya.................................................................................................................................... 5-3 Plate 5.2: A view of people’s participation during census survey and public consultation along the proposed highway corridor.......................................................................................................... 5-3 Plate 5.3: Public Consultation at starting point at Al-Ganad (Taiz) ............................................................... 5-4 Plate 5.4: Public Consultation Mawiya District (Taiz) .................................................................................. 5-4 Plate 5.5: Women’s participation during consultations along proposed highway corridor ........................... 5-7 Plate 5.6: Consultation with the Governor of Taiz ....................................................................................... 5-10 Plate 5.7: Consultation with the Governor of Lahj ....................................................................................... 5-11 Plate 5.8: Consultation with the Local Council in Taiz ................................................................................ 5-11 Plate 5.9: Local persons indicating their support to the project by raising their hands. ............................... 5-12 Plate 5.10: Consultation with the Officer of Social Development Fund in Taiz .......................................... 5-12 Plate 5.11: Consultation with Officers of Ministry of Water & Environment (Taiz) ................................... 5-13 Plate 5.12: Consultation with the Officers of Environmental Protection Agency of Taiz and Aden. .......... 5-13 Annexures to ESIA Annexure 3.1 World Health Organization Ambient Air Quality Guidelines A-2 Annexure 3.2 Ambient Noise Monitoring Standards A-3 Annexure 3.3 Yemeni Standards for Drinking Water Quality A-4 Annexure 4.1 a) Small Surface Water Resources A-6 b) Access to Ground Water Resources A-10 c) Species-wise Trees to be affected along the Project Alignment A-11 Annexure 4.2 Detailed Land Use Map of the Project Road Alignment A-12 Annexure 5.1 List of Participants A-13 Annexure 10.1 Draft Agreement between MPWH and EPA A-28 Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -viii MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) List of Abbreviations AASHTO : Association of Highway and Transportation Standards AIDS : Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome APHA : American Public Health Association AWWA : American Water Works Association BOD : Biological Oxygen Demand CC : Compensation Committee CH : Chainage CITES : International Convention on Trade of Endangered Species CO : Carbon Monoxide COI : Corridor of Impact DD : Data Deficient EC : Electrical Conductivity EIA : Environmental Impact Assessment EPA : Environmental Protection Authority EPC : Environment Protection Council EPL : Environment Protection Law ESIA : Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ESMP : Environmental and Social Management Plan FAO : Food and Agriculture Organization GCC : Gulf Cooperation Council GNI : Gross National Income GoAMM : Ministry of Culture - General Organization for Antiquities, Museums and Manuscripts GoY : Government of Yemen GRC : Grievance Redressal Cell HIV : Human Immunodeficiency Virus ICB : International Competitive Bidding IDA : International Development Association IUCN : International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources IVI : Importance Value Index Km : Kilometre LC : Least Concern MAI : Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation MOLA : Ministry of Local Administration MoPD : Ministry of Planning and Development MoWE : Ministry of Water and Environment Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -ix MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) MPWH : Ministry of Public Works and Highways NDC : National Dialogue Conference NE : Not Evaluated NEAP : National Environmental Action Plan NGO : Non-Government Organization NWRA : National Water Resource Authority OP : Operational Policy PAP : Project Affected Persons PIU : Project Implementation Unit PLM : People with Limited Mobility PM : Particulate Matter PRS : Poverty Reduction Strategy R&R : Rehabilitation and Resettlement RAP : Resettlement Action Plan RMF : Road Maintenance Fund RoW : Right of Way SAYICH : Saada–Aden Yemen International Corridor Highway SC : Supervision Consultant SFD : Saudi Fund for Development SPM : Suspended Particulate Matter TDS : Total Dissolved Solids ToR : Term of Reference TSS : Total Suspended Solids UNCCD : United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification UNDP : United Nations Development Programme US : United States VSPL : Voyants Solution Pvt. Ltd. VU : Vulnerable WB : The World Bank WHO : World Health Organization WWF : World Wildlife Fund for Nature YAEC : Yemen Advance for Engineering Consultants & Contracting Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -x MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 0.1 Introduction This executive summary aims at presenting the main findings of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) conducted for two sub-sections of the new highway, for which funding have been identified. The first sub-section which is to be funded by the World Bank (IDA) is located between Aden and Noubat Dokaim with a length of 55 km. The second sections, to be funded by the Saudi Fund for Development, is located between Noubat Dokaim and Taiz, with a length of 85 km. The total length of both sections is 140 km. The new highway is being developed as part of the completely new dual carriageway highway between Aden and the border with Saudi Arabia (denominated as “Saada–Aden Yemen International Corridor Highway” or “SAYICH). This new 710 km long North-South route would adequately serve current and future transport needs. The most direct beneficiaries of the Corridor Highway Project, and of the wider SAYICH Program, are Yemeni road users, which may be vehicle owners, but can also be passengers traveling in buses, or owners of cargo being transported by truck. The ESIA is based (i) on the scope of work given in Terms of Reference (TOR) provided to the Consultant, (ii) on discussions between the consultant and MPWH officials and (iii) on consultations with stakeholders during the site visits and surveys (iv) a thorough review and analysis of the technical interventions (road construction) of the project which are provided in the detailed technical design which was previously prepared by an engineering design consultant, (v) a review of the environmental and social assessment requirements for such projects as defined by the Government of Yemen and the World Bank’s applicable policies and guidelines, and (vi) the cataloguing of environmental and social issues which were identified during the site visits and stakeholders consultations. The document consists of the following chapters: introduction, project description policy legal and administrative framework, description of baseline environmental and socio-economic conditions, public consultation, community participation and grievance redress mechanism, analysis of project alternatives, potential environmental and social impacts, environmental and social management plan, monitoring and institutional strengthening and institutional arrangements. 0.2 Project Description The construction on the new alignment over the entire length shall be double carriageway. The project road starts at Al-Alam near the coastal city of Aden and ends at Al-Ganad, about 12 km northeast of the city of Taiz. The proposed Aden -Taiz (140 km) road section traverses through three Governorates of Republic of Yemen namely; Aden, Lahj and Taiz. One of the criteria for the selection of the corridor was to avoid passing through towns, villages and settlements. The highway was originally designed as a 6-lane road (3 travel lanes in each direction). However, on the 55 km subsection between Aden and Noubat Dokaim the highway will only be built as a 4-lane road (2 travel lanes in each direction), but with a platform wide enough to accommodate two additional lanes in the future. The Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -0-1 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) overall platform width is 36.7 m, to accommodate 2 x 3 travel lanes, each 3.65 m in width, of which only the two outer lanes in each direction will be built now. The median will be (i) wide enough to accommodate two additional travel lanes (one in each direction) in the future when traffic levels require such an additional investment, and (ii) will still be 6 m wide after the addition of the two lanes, or 3.6 meters wide in mountainous terrain. The typical cross-section will also include, on each side of the road, a 2.0 m wide verge, and gravel and paved hard shoulders, each of 1.2 m in width. On the 85 km subsection between Noubat Dokaim and Taiz the civil works will be done in line with the original design, with all 6 travel lanes to be built now. The design speed is of 100 or 120 km/h, depending on local conditions. This will be a “controlled access” highway, with entry and exit only possible at the interchanges which will connect this highway with the rest of the Yemeni road network. Numerous road culverts (5 x 5 m and 3 x 3 m) are foreseen for provision of access between different sides of the highway, and for access between villages and farmland. These culverts will be suitable for pedestrians and animals. Civil works will also include the duct for a new fibre optic backbone cable and related manholes, etc. which will be incorporated into the road embankment or sub-base. A view of the proposed highway alignment is shown below. From North to South, the corridor of the highway starts and runs through a wide and flat-bottomed intensively-cultivated valley approximately up to Ch.km 5.5. After that; it crosses a rugged hilly and mountainous region, divided by many steep-sided and deep wadis, approximately up to Ch. Km 24.5 near Mawiyeh town. Approximately from Ch.24.5 to Ch.39.5, the road alignment runs through relatively narrow valley bounded by steep rugged mountains. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -0-2 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) The alignment crosses these mountains at several locations. The valley is intensively cultivated and planted. Along this stretch, the road alignment crosses several rugged basaltic hills. The area between Ch.39.5 and Ch.50 is rugged hilly rocky side that contains some steep igneous mountains. Approximately from Ch.50. to Ch. 90.5; the road corridor passes through relatively low-rise soil hilly areas that are built up by thick soil deposits. The site is divided by several steep-sided wadis. Approximately, from Ch.90.5 to the end of the road, the roadway passes through flat to gently rolling and undulated terrain covered mostly by fine, loose wind-blown sand and crossed by many sand dunes. The typical cross-section of the new highway is shown in Chapter 2 of this ESIA. The overall purpose of this ESIA is to fully comply with the applicable regulations, policies and guidelines which apply to the project of building the new Corridor Highway between Aden and Taiz (140 km). 0.3 Policy, legal and administrative framework A desk study was carried out by the study team to assess and prepare the most applicable legal and administrative framework to the proposed project. The assessment has taken into consideration, both the potential Yemeni environmental laws and those policies and procedures of the World Bank related to the subject project. Yemeni Environmental Laws & land acquisition Regulation  The Environment Protection Law (EPL) number 26 of 1995  Article 35 of Environment Protection Law (EPL)  Article 36 of Environment Protection Law (EPL)  The Public Eminent Domain Law Articles 1, 2, 4, 6, 7 , 12, 15, 21 & 27 Yemen Government Policy, Strategies and Programs Relevant to Environmental Protection & Social Causes  National Environmental Action Plan, 1996  Environment & Sustainable Investment Program 2003-08  Biodiversity Strategy, 1999-03  Environmental Impact Assessment Policy for the Republic of Yemen 1997  Annual Reports on the State of Environment (by EPA),  Evaluation of Future Development of the EIA System in Yemen 2001.  Social Welfare Fund (SWF), an agency under the Ministry of Insurance and Social Affairs (MISA)  Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS)  Yemeni Women's National Strategy World Bank's Policies and Procedures The World Bank has 10 current Operational Policies and Procedures: Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -0-3 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km)  OP/BP 4.01 Environmental Assessment  OP/BP 4.04 Natural Habitats  OP/BP 4.09 Pest Management  OP/BP 4.10 Indigenous Peoples  OP/BP 4.11 Physical Cultural Resources  OP/BP 4.12 Involuntary Resettlement  OP/BP 4.36 Forests  OP/BP 4.37 Safety of Dams  OP/BP 7.50 Projects on International Waterways  OP/BP 7.60 Projects in Disputed Areas With respect to this project, three key policies are being triggered.  Environmental Assessment (OP/BP 4.01),  Involuntary Resettlement (OP/BP 4.12) and  Physical Cultural Resources (OP/BP 4.11) 0.4 Description of Baseline Environmental and Socio-Economic Conditions Depending on the local topographic conditions, the RoW is between 50-70 meters wide. It is also considered that a corridor of 500 meters on each side of the proposed alignment will be indirectly affected during the construction period of the project. Indirect environmental influence could affect nearby agricultural and grazing land, water bodies, forest land etc. although there is no declared forest land in the project area. Geologically the proposed highway corridor between Aden and Taiz runs along two geo-morphological units, namely the Yemeni Highland Geomorphologic Province and the Gulf of Aden Costal Plains. The Climate of Yemen is characterized as semi-arid type with rainy summers and a cool, moderately dry winter. Temperatures are generally high particularly in the coastal regions. The highlands enjoy a cool temperate, with temperatures occasionally dipping below 0 °C (32.0 °F) at some places. Some areas of the western highlands such as around Taiz receive about 1,000–1,500 mm (39.4–59.1 in) of rain each year. Humidity ranges from 23 to 60%. Wind speeds ranges from 4 to 16 knots in highlands and in coastal areas are from 5 to 19 knots. Air pollution is not identified as a critical issue in the area of the planned road alignment since it is passing mostly through rural areas and villages without much traffic or polluting industrial or commercial activities. Air quality in most of the project area is dominated by natural factors, such as dust blown up by wind from the land areas not covered by vegetation. There are some small-scale industries near the planned highway alignment near Taiz (Al-Ganad) and small-scale industries engaged in stone cutting and cement block manufacturing which are sources of some limited air pollution within the project area. There are also unpaved roads near the planned road alignment and traffic on those roads cause a significant amount of dust in those areas. Air Quality monitoring was carried out at six locations along the proposed alignment and was found that all the gaseous air pollutants were within the WHO standards. Only PM10 was found to be marginally on higher side due to dust. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -0-4 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Noise sources of significance are mainly man-made (i) operation of stationary motors to power pumps for drawing water from wells, and for grain mills, (ii) farm tractors used in the agriculture fields, and (iii) motorized vehicles travelling on the mostly unpaved local roads. There are some very limited activities in the project area which create vibrations. People generally use rocks for construction of their houses or other small structures. Noise monitoring was carried out at six locations and was found out that results at all the locations are within the limits of WHO standards for Industrial and Commercial areas. At two locations the noise was higher due to high wind movements and being near to traffic junction. Hydrology: Due to unconformity of bedding and inter fingering of Quaternary soil formations with the underlying igneous rock formations, local perched water confined in water bearing lenses may also be found. Surface and Ground Water Resources: Depth to groundwater in these local aquifers may vary from few meters to about 20m; one of the most important and most studied aquifers is that underlying the coastal catchments of Wadi Tuban and Wadi Bana to the east. The planned alignment of the highway runs through Wadi Tuban approximately from km 90 to km 125. Only two perennial wadis were observed during the field visits in December 2013. One of them is Wadi Warzan which is crossed by the planned highway alignment at several locations, approximately from km 60 to km 75. There are many other locations where the planned road would cross small seasonal water passes which are typically dry and only carry water for short periods during and after rains. The number of such water crossings in each Governorate is given below: Sl. No. Description Taiz Lahj Aden Total Surface Water 1 142 24 0 166 crossings There are large numbers of water wells in the area of influence of the planned highway. The list of affected water wells is listed below: Sl. No. Type of Properties Taiz Lahj Aden Total 1 Wells 16 5 1 22 Ecology: Flora in the entire project corridor is generally rather sparse and has been altered to various extents as a result of several types of pressure on the exiting natural habitats, primarily by agriculture, grazing and habitation. The predominant over storey vegetation along the project road alignment is Acacia abyssinica, Acasia asak and Ziziphus leucodermis etc. In addition, Azadirachta indicia, Mangifera indica and Ficus spp and the understorey vegetation on and near the alignment of the project road are Calotropis procera, Euphorbia cactus, Opuntia ficus-indicus and Jatropha dhofarica etc. No species of threatened, rare or endangered categories of IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) Red Data Book have been observed along the project road corridor. as many as 21,025 trees will be affected, out of which 2,146 trees are fruit bearing and the remaining 18,879 trees are non-fruit bearing. In addition, about 412,050 Qat plants will also be affected. Overall, a total of about 433,075 trees/plants will be required to be cut for the construction of proposed YCHP. The list of all affected trees/plants is given below: Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -0-5 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Sl. No. Trees Taiz Lahj Aden Total 1 Fruit bearing 926 1220 00 2146 2 Non-Fruit Bearing 11128 7751 00 18879 3 Qat 390037 22013 00 412050 Total 402091 30984 00 433075 Agricultural crop observed along the project road alignment is Qat (Catha edulis), which is considered among one of the most profitable cash crops in the country. The highland section of the project road is further known for growing millet, sorghum and wheat crops, fruits such as grapes, nuts, apples and pomegranate, as well as pumpkins, tomatoes, onions, beans and potatoes as vegetables, and coffee as another cash crop. Wildlife observed all along the project road alignment are the Hamadryas Baboon (Papio hamadryas), though its numbers too are said to be diminishing. Among the smaller mammals are Rock Hyrax (Procavia capensis), Wild Cat (Felis silvestris), Hyena, Fox and Common Hare. Demographic profile: Baseline socio-economic survey on a random basis of 25 percent of the surveyed households in the proposed highway corridor was carried out. The majority of population is in the governorate of Taiz (64.36%) followed by Lahj (19.49%) and Aden (16.15%). The analysis of the field survey reveals that 50.4% of the population is male and 49.6% is female. At all the project governorates rural population relatively more as compared to urban population. The average family size along the project area is 8.2 members. However, the average size of the affected households is 11.8 members because there are several very big households among the affected. The majority of families are Joint (93%) followed by Nuclear (5.7%) and Extended (1.3%). The literacy rate in the project area is 91.7 % and thus higher in comparison with the country average. 54.7% have undergone Primary educations, 9.8% secondary, 3.6% university level, whereas 20.8% households are just literate. Occupation wise majority of households’ members are engaged in agriculture (56.3%) followed by others (19.7% i.e. unemployed persons, aged family members, housewives and children), students (13.5%), labourer activities (2.7%), business (2.6%), government service (1.6%), private service (1.4%). Majority of households (72.6%) have reported their annual income in range of US$ 500-600, followed by 9.4% households in the range US$ 600-800. Baseline survey revealed that people along the project area are typically in reasonably good health and fitness. However, during the field survey some of them have reported to be affected, or have recently been affected, by diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, polio, hepatitis, mylasis and amoebiasis. Significant proportion of households in the project area belong to lower income groups and are further disadvantaged by relatively poor access to community infrastructure such as Hospitals, Schools, Religious schools, Drinking water, Electricity, Landline phones, Supermarket, Police station, Banks, Chemist and Internet cafes. Women’s participation in society is typically limited to their household work and they constitute only 4.7% of the work force for agriculture. Road Safety: Traffic injuries rank among the top 10 causes of death in Yemen. About 13,000 accidents with injuries each year, affecting about 17,000 people and their families. The number of recorded fatal accidents is 990, 226 and 299 in Taiz, Lahj and Aden Governorates alone. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -0-6 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Land use: Overall, the data shows that the largest land use categories are “unused” with 486.38 hectares followed by “arid land” with 347.39 hectares, out of the total of 1,221 hectares of land to be acquired. The land used for any types of crops is approximately 177 hectares. Desertification: Yemen suffers from desertification, which is defined as “land degradation in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas resulting from various factors, including climatic variations and human activities”.1 For more than a decade, the Government of Yemen has recognized that desertification threatens seriously the natural resource- base.2 The most well known causes of desertification are those stemming from demographic growth and are linked to satisfying the primary needs of populations faced with ever increasing needs for food, fodder, firewood, etc. The direct causes of desertification are: climate, geology and soil, topography, natural calamities, provision of infrastructure, misuse of natural resources, agricultural abandonment. While no recent analysis of the contribution of various different causes is available, the following figure summarizes the causes of desertification across the region. Figure: Major Driving Forces of Desertification in the Arab Region and its impacts3 1 Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (2000): Draft National Action Plan to Combat Desertification for Yemen pp vii 2 Ibid. pp 1 3 Source: Abahussain A. A., Anwar Sh. Abdu, Waleed K. Al-Zubari, Nabil Alaa El-Deen, Mahmmod Abdul Raheem (2002): Desertification in the Arab Region: Analysis of current status and trends in Journal of Arid Environments, 51:521-545; doi:10.1006, available online at http://www.idealibrary.com accessed on 18th April 2014 Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -0-7 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) In Yemen, the provision of infrastructure has been identified as a contributor to desertification along the shorelines of Abyan, Tuban, Hodeidah-Duraihimi etc., where it is leading to very intense, erratic, and unforeseeable coastal dune erosion and sand movement. Also, due to lack of efficient urban planning in Yemen, most agricultural land in cities and along main roads is exploited for residential or other urban usages, resulting in loss of highly productive lands. While the proposed construction of the Corridor Highway is not likely to directly contribute to an increase in desertification, there could potentially be a indirect impact due of the removal of vegetation for the construction of the road. In order to minimize this, the project includes plantation along the alignment, wherever sufficient water is available. In specific locations, where local people have asked for beautification, landscaping and plantation have been integrated in those plans. While a notional budget has been provided for roadside plantation, actual availability of land and water, and consultation with stakeholders, like local leaders, residents, etc. will determine the extent to which plantation will be effected. Monitoring of the plantation to be carried out under the project is also required as part of the Environmental Management Plan. Other measures such as improved urban planning, or restrictions on the use of ground water, are beyond the scope of the project. Cultural properties: There are 10 graves and 8 small village mosques which will be directly affected by the new project and which will need to be relocated. 0.5 Public Consultation, Community Participation And Grievance Redress Mechanism Extensive public consultations were carried out with various stakeholders throughout the length of the proposed highway corridor between Aden and Taiz. The main public consultations were undertaken with in groups which included government officials, PAPs, and community leaders (sheiks) in 13 villages. Consultations with women groups were held separately in 10 villages. The groups identified during the consultation process included:  People affected by land acquisition  People to be physically displaced  Government officials at governorate and district levels  Community leaders  Business owners, operators and workers in installations along the alignment of the planned expressway, including owners and employees of informal and unlicensed entities  Residents along the alignment of the highway including women  Farmers with land close to the planned highway alignment  Women living along the planned highway alignment  People and Communities affected by the needed relocation of mosques or graves. Issues Raised during the consultation process were: Land acquisition minimization, Resettlement impacts mitigation measures, Underpasses at schools, madrasa, religious schools and hospitals, Wayside amenities and public facilities including toilets and drinking water, Road safety measures, Pedestrian pathways, Shifting of religious places at appropriate locations with community consensus, Resettlement assistance Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -0-8 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) package, Income and employment generation schemes should be launched all along the project influence area, Compensation should be computed at current market price of land and structures, Special signage near schools, college and road turnings and crossings, Street lighting, Traffic signal lights, People were asked if they support the proposed highway or not. Responses received from people were positive and the main concern was regarding the resettlement and adequate compensation. The local people stated that due to availability of road there will be faster interaction with the people of other villages. Hence road will play role in relationship building. Women’s Consultations and discussions were also held separately in 10 villages, in line with local customs and traditions. These consultation meetings were organized to get wider public input from female project affected persons. Consultations with women were conducted with the objectives including: (i) identifying women specific issues in the project; (ii) securing participation of women in definition of mitigation measures; (iii) ascertain the views of the affected women groups with reference to land acquisition and project road alignment; (iv) understand views of the women on livelihood rehabilitation options; (v) obtain opinion of the women groups on issues related to the impacts on religious and community assets and relocation of the same; (vi) hear women’s opinion on problems and prospects of road related issues; and (vii) to establish an understanding by the women of the overall developmental objectives and benefits of the project. The issues raised by women are presented in this ESIA. Post ESIA Consultations: Regular communication processes shall be established with the affected communities. Prior to and during the construction activities, the staff of the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) of MPWH staff will organize consultations in various locations along the project corridor, with participation of civil works contractors and the supervision consultants. Grievance redress mechanism is presented in the Resettlement Action Plan and the Grievance management system is described in detail in chapter on Institutional Arrangements. 0.6 Analysis of project alternatives As part of the project feasibility study, several alternative corridors for the new highway between Taiz and Aden were defined, studied and compared. detailed investigation of three alternative corridors for the new highway, each with its own character:  The “Green Corridor” with a length of 143.6 km. This is a relatively short alignment located near to the axis of the existing road.  The “Yellow Corridor” with a length of 153.3 km. This corridor would maximise economic and social development along the alignment, by providing access to a large area which is now relatively isolated.  The “Blue Corridor” with a length of 135.3 km. This corridor would be a compromise solution between a short route and nevertheless facilitating improved development along the alignment by integrating some areas that are presently rather isolated. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -0-9 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) These three alternative corridors were defined as technically possible and verified in the field. They were then evaluated based on various criteria, some of which are linked to each other: Traffic and development impact, Design, Geology, Hydrology, Environment and Social and Cost & initial economic feasibility evaluation. Environment and Social criteria used were: settlement areas, social infrastructure and human health, caused by noise, by air pollution, and by traffic accidents, land resources and agriculture, caused by loss or severance of land resources and agricultural soil, together with the social impact on the rural population, natural environment, vegetation, forests and habitats, due to habitat degradation and loss of biodiversity, groundwater resources and wadis, by pollution of sensitive aquifers or surface waters (such as by spillage accidents) or by a change of natural flow of surface waters, cultural heritage, landscape resources and tourism potential, by loss or severance of traditional hillside terraces, of traditional architecture, or of landscape attractive to tourism and ecotourism. For comparison of alternative corridors, the main impacts of the different alternatives have been compiled in the table below. Summary of likely impacts for the three alternative corridors Alternative Impacts Green Yellow Blue Settlement areas (km within 300 m corridor) 11 7 7 Schools (number within 300 m corridor) 9 6 33 Hospitals (number within 300 m corridor) 1 1 5 Intensively used agricultural areas (km) 20 14 7 Extensively used agricultural areas (km) 24 21 15 Natural environment, forests (km) 36 39 57 Groundwater resources (km) 89 71 73 Wadis (number) 5 7 8 Cultural heritage, tourism potential (km) 21 21 5 Length (km) 143,6 154,9 135,3 Area covered, land consumption (km²) 6,00 6,47 5,66 The result of the overall evaluation of the three potential corridors (Green, Yellow and Blue) showed that a fourth possible alternative composed of a combination of two of the alternatives would compound their respective advantages and provide the best results - this would be the combination of the Blue alternative for the northern part (to the North of Noubat Dokaim) and the Yellow alternative for the Southern part of the highway. This combination was denominated as the Purple corridor, which showed the most advantages and the best results. The eight interchanges on this Purple alternative are at: Taiz, Mawiyah, Ad Durayjah, Musaymir, Aqan, Noubat Dokaim, and Al Hutahand Aden. Based on the results of the multi criteria analysis, the Purple corridor alternative was then selected for the detailed engineering design and feasibility studies. 0.7 Potential Environmental and Social Impacts This Chapter identifies the potential impacts of the project that are likely to occur, before and during construction, and during the operational/maintenance phase. The chapter also identifies the mitigation measures which are designed to help reducing Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -0-10 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) the magnitude of adverse impacts and to keep them at acceptable levels, thereby combining the goal of long term sustainable development of a region with sound environmental and social considerations. Impacts on the physical environment: Impacts were predicted on the following parameters:  Micro Climate,  Air quality,  Dust,  Generation of exhaust gases will occur due to the operation of various types of heavy machinery with internal combustion engines, mostly for earth movement and for laying of pavement, Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -0-11 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Mitigations Measures Suggested:  Equipment and machinery used for construction will be regularly maintained to minimize the pollution emission levels.  Regular monitoring of Particulate Matter at crusher sites, during the construction, will be conducted. If established limits are exceeded, water spraying will be used if water is available. Alternatively, screens will be installed in the downwind direction to reduce the spreading of particulate matter beyond the crusher sites.  Avoiding queuing of the construction traffic vehicle fleet on the roads adjacent to the sites to minimize the exhaust emissions generated during construction work.  During operation stage, roadside plants that will be planted in some areas along the highway with sufficient water will act as pollution sink.  Reduction of emission that can be effected by improved engines and quality of fuel are beyond the scope of this project Noise & Vibrations Mitigation measures: Noise impacts (including from rock blasting) can be mitigated by confining the construction activities to normal working hours in the areas near settlements / villages and by employing modern construction equipment with noise insulation. Specific measures to mitigate noise impacts during the construction phase may include the following provisions: Source Controls, Site Controls, Time and activity constraints, Community Awareness. Other measures includes: Workers camp siting, scheduling of noise consturction operations, No Horn Sign boards, appropriate signage’s and signals for slowing down near sensitive receptors, Proper maintenance of vehicles, Provision of personal protective equipment’s and controlled blasting. Noise barriers at locations where the highway passes within a short distance of settlements/villages or sensible receptors (schools/hospitals/mosques/madrasa). Impacts on Water Environment: (i) Highway construction may obstruct the movement of water through these channels, causing difficulty to the farmers to irrigate their land or have water near their houses. (ii) Degradation of water quality can occur due to an increase in sediment load into watercourses near the construction sites. (iii) Degradation of water quality is also possible due to accidental discharges into watercourses from drainage of workers’ camps and from spillage in vehicle parking and/or fuel and lubricant storage areas. Mitigations Measures Suggested during construction stage:  Restriction of work on construction of bridges and culverts during the rainy season.  Use of silt fencing, sediment traps etc. for minimization of soil movement.  Construction of cofferdam with materials that cannot be brought into suspension by flowing waters.  Provision of cover of tarpaulins or other material under the bridge deck to prevent debris, wastes and toxic compounds from entering the stream.  Avoidance of lead-based paints in painting bridge components  Use of oil/water separators at drainage of construction camps to extract floating oils. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -0-12 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km)  Proper storage of contaminated liquids and disposal after treatment to bring such liquids within prescribed permissible limits.  Fuelling area for vehicles and equipment’s will be selected away from water bodies. Mitigations Measures Suggested during operation phase:  Modification of embankment slopes to prevent entry of contaminated water into watercourses.  Drilling of alternative wells, to replace those wells to which access by local populatins is effectively blocked by the new highway, after consultation with affected local communities.  Water harvesting will be used as much as possible. Since water harvesting requires detailed knowledge of local micro-conditions, the feasibility of water harvesting at potential locations will be evaluated jointly between MPWH, the supervision engineer and local communities. If feasible, the necessary physical works will be incorporated in the contractor’s program of works through change orders. Impacts on Landscape and soil: The total quantity of borrow materials is 27,000,000 m3 and of aggregates is 7,100,000 m3. Since most of the borrow materials will come from areas which will be cut anyway to create the highway platform, there will only be a limited impact in terms of borrow areas outside the right-of-way of the highway. Soil contamination could occur due to following reasons which may happen during construction and operation phase: 1. Maintenance (especially oil change) of machinery and operation of the diesel generator sets on the construction. 2. Oil Spills from operation of the mechanical workshops, diesel pumps and diesel storage, during transportation and transfer, parking places, and diesel generator sets. 3. Operation of the emulsion sprayer. 4. Operation of the residential facilities for the labour and staff. 5. Accidental spill of emulsion, oil and other materials. 6. Residue of blasting chemicals Mitigations Measures Suggested:  If land at borrow pits and quarries needs to be acquired permanently, it will be compensated as per the entitlement framework given in the RAP.  The Contractor will identify the disposal locations for surplus materials in consultation with Supervision Consultant, MPWH and local communities in order to minimize the impact on trees and other vegetation and on natural hydrology/drainage systems of the project area.  After their use, local quarries and borrow areas will be closed, rehabilitated and made safe.  The land used for temporary construction camps, workshops, labour camps and parking areas will be restored to its original condition as much as possible so that it can be used for the same purpose it had been used earlier.  Any land used temporarily, such as for construction camps, offices, plants, storage yards, traffic detours, etc. will not be located on fertile land unless unavoidable. If these are to be located on fertile land, the topsoil will be stripped; stored properly and such areas will be restored after completion of work. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -0-13 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km)  Soil erosion (especially during the rainy season) will be avoided through the available methods, such as retaining structures, erosion fences, etc.  Wherever the availability of water makes this possible, vegetation will be planted on embankments slopes.  The road drainage systems will be built to ensure that water runoff from the highway will flow into the road drainage system to prevent any possibility of soil erosion. Ecological Impacts: Approximately 21,025 trees which will have to be cut in the Right-of-Way of the new highway. Of that total number, about 2,146 trees are fruit bearing trees like mango, pomegranate, orange and guava etc. and 18,879 trees are non-fruit bearing like Athl, Alab, and Amrud and Adelbert etc. There will be loss of approximately 412,050 Qat plants. There are wild animals like wild cat, jackal, hyena, common mongoose and fox in the project area. During the construction phase of the project these animals will migrate to some other places due to direct impact on their habitation. There are nests of birds on the trees in the project area. The cutting of trees will direct affect the habitation of these birds (like common sparrow). Even if there will not be any direct impact on the habitat of birds, they could still be affected indirectly due to air and noise pollution during construction and operation phase of the project. Mitigations Measures Suggested:  As much as possible and depending on the local conditions (availability of water and soil), plantation of roadside vegetation will be carried out along the highway embankment and in the highway median.  The location of construction camps, stone crushing unit, asphalt mixing plant and waste disposal sites will be chosen so that they are at a distance of at least 2000 m away from areas with known concentrations of plants or wildlife Social Impacts The main negative impacts expected due to land acquisition during the pre- construction phase are:  loss of agricultural land and the resulting loss of agricultural production and in turn of livelihood for farmers;  loss of land used for residential purposes, which is often combined with the demolition of residential structures and the resulting loss of living space for people;  loss of land used for commerical purposes, which is often combined with the demolition of commercial structures such as shops, etc. and the resulting loss of income from commercial activities;  loss of water wells, leading to a loss of access to water resources;  loss of mosques and graves which are cultural resources According to census survey results, a total of 2,685 households are likely to be affected by land acquisition. Among them, 308 households are tenants. In total 31,695 persons will be affected. These households earn their livelihood primarily through agriculture, Qat cultivation, wage labour and through small businesses. A total of 1,224.8 hectares of land is to be acquired permanently for the project. Of the three governorates involved in the project, land acquisition will be disproportionately heavy in Lahj Governorate (909.6 ha.), significant in Taiz Governorate (277.9 ha.), and Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -0-14 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) relatively minor in Aden Governorate (37.3 ha). The impact of land acquisition on livelihoods is likely to be significant in many cases. Of the 2,159 individual plots involved in land acquisition, 1,318 are to be acquired in their entirety (100%) while the remaining 841 plots are to be acquired in part. In addition to land acquisition, YCHP will require substantial demolition of structures and relocation of residents. In all, 169 households (or 2,789 people) will be required to relocate. Among the governorates, Taiz will require the greatest relocation (2,546 people), compared to 233 in Lahj and 10 people in Aden. As many as 1,224.80 hectares of land will be required for the project, belonging to private owners (485.91 ha), communities (299.58 ha) and the State (439.31 ha. of public land). A total of 170 residential structures are to be demolished, of which 127 residential structures are located in Taiz Governorate and 42 in Lahj Governorate. There are 61 shops or other commercial structures that may need to be demolished due to the project. The great majority of impacts on such businesses will occur in Lahj Governorate, where 43 commercial structures will be demolished, most of which are at one single location near Noubat Dokaim where a large interchange is to be built. It has recently been decided to change the design of this intersection which will significantly reduce the need for acquisition of commercial land and demolition of commercial structures. 17 commercial structures will be demolished in Taiz Governorate. In all, YCHP will acquire 161 hectares of agriculture land, plus 696.18 hectares of pasture area. The majority of agriculture land acquisition will take place in Taiz Governorate (118.46 ha) followed by Lahj (40.07 ha). Only 2.47 ha of agricultural land will be acquired in Aden Governorate. Among 2,159 plots of land, there are 1,329 plots of private agricultural land, of which 721 plots (54%) will be wholly acquired (by 100%). The majority of crops on land to be acquired is corn (82.21 ha) followed by clover 13.36 ha, wheat (6.33 ha), sorghum (4.44 ha) and henna (0.47 ha). The field survey has also revealed that as many 433,075 trees/plants are likely to be affected due to the construction of the proposed highway. These include as many as 412,050 Qat plants (which are classified as trees), 794 banana, 522 mango, 187 papaya, 169 guava, 50 lemon, and 18,879 trees of other types. The land attachment assets which are likely to be affected due to the proposed highway corridor project involves 22 water wells, 2 water pools, 38 fences, 16 guard rooms, 10 graves, 8 mosques and one barn. 31,695 persons (of which 19,974 are male and 15,721 female) will potentially be impacted or will suffer socio-economic losses as a result of project activities due to land acquisition for the project. 2,789 persons (of which 1,405 are male and 1,384 female) will be potentially impacted through residential assets losses as a result of the project. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -0-15 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 463 persons (of which 231 are male and 232 female) will be potentially impacted/suffer losses due to demolition of commercial assets (small shops) as a result of project implementation. Mitigations Measures Suggested:  Mitigation for loss of land will be done on the basis of compensation either in cash, or land-for-land swaps, or a combination of both. Mitigation for crop loss will be on the basis of cash compensation taking into account the cropping pattern of the fields. Vulnerable groups may be provided with special support for livelihood restoration.  Cultural resources such as graves and mosques shall be relocated in consultation with local people and the cost of relocation will be covered through cash payments.  Water wells will be also relocated in consultation with local people, supported by cash payments to pay for digging or boring new wells.  The loss of residential or commercial structures will also be compensated through cash payments or rebuilding of equivalent structures by the civil works contractor.  The design includes 60 locations along the new highway where it can be crossed, namely (i) 12 road intersections with overpasses, (ii) 3 bridge underpasses, (iii) 2 bridge overpasses, (iv) 20 road culverts and (v) 23 large other culverts suitable for pedestrians and small vehicles (farm tractors, etc.). These structures are located at all those places where local populations need to cross the highway on a regular basis, in order to access farm fields, other villages, shops, etc. The average distance between designed crossings is 2.3 km, but in the populated areas the actual distances are much smaller. Positive Social Impacts:  In the short term, the construction itself of the road will bring important short-term benefits through job opportunities for thousands of workers, unskilled and skilled, (about 1.28 million person-days of unskilled work alone during the 3 to 4 years of project execution, at a rate of about US$ 18 per day). Unskilled workers, which in economic terms are part of the bottom 40% of the population, will typically be recruited from the area of the physical works, resulting in direct income generation.  In the medium and long term, the new Highway Project is expected to bring trade facilitation and general economic revitalization, by lowering transportation costs and travel times, reducing overall trade costs, and by bringing access to international markets through Aden deeper into the country. The highway will also provide better access by rural populations to markets and services located in the larger cities along the new highway (Aden, Lahj and Taiz). Most social services, such as general healthcare, emergency medical services, education, etc. are located in the cities and the new highway will provide faster and easier access to those.  The project is expected to have a transformational impact due to the new institutional arrangements for asset management and maintenance that it will introduce, again providing business opportunities for local firms and communities along the highway corridor. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -0-16 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 0.8 Environmental And Social Management Plan (ESMP) The Environmental and Social Management plan matrix prepared for the proposed project during construction and operation / maintenance phase is given in Table 0.1 and Table 0.2. The main element of ESMP is the cost of implementation which shall be integrated into the contactor’s cost. The project envisages about US$ 8,073,100 required to cover the following aspects :  ESMP construction and operation/maintenance phase;  Training, and  Environmental enhancements Table 0.1: ESMP during Pre-construction and Construction Phase Potential Institutional Comments Proposed Mitigation Project Environmental Responsibilities Cost Measures Activity and Social (Incl. Enforcement Estimate (e.g. secondary Impacts & Coordination) impacts) PIU, MPWH, An average Appreciation of Revenue Department compensation rate of the land cost in Proper Compensation for 161.00 ha of agriculture Agricultural Economic and of Taiz, Lahj and US$ 4/m2 is decided for the vicinity of land shall be provided as per the rates decided Land Livelihood loss Aden Governorates agricultural land. The Highway. Ribbon (Details provided in RAP). Acquisition cost estimate is US$ development 6,440,000. Details are along the given in RAP. highway. Economic loss, Pressure on water Acquisition of Proper Compensation for 22 water wells, 2 water Temporary loss of resources in private and pools, 38 fences, 16 guard rooms, 10 graves, 8 shelters, PIU, MPWH, nearby areas. Government mosques and one barn shall be provided as per the Temporary non- Revenue Department Properties, rates decided (Details provided in RAP), As per the Entitlement availability of of Taiz and Lahj and Water access Relocation of graves and mosques with consultation matrix given in RAP. water for domestic Aden Governorates. units and with local people. use and for religious Relocation of water wells in consultation with local irrigation structures. people. Cutting of Livelihood loss, Total number of 21,025 trees shall be affected due PIU, MPWH, A compensation rate of fruit, non- Loss to Ecology, to Highway construction, out of which about 2,146 Revenue Department US$ 5 to 500 / tree for fruit bearing Loss of nests of trees are fruit-bearing and the rest 18,879 trees are of Taiz and Lahj and fruit, non-fruit bearing and Qat birds living on non-fruit bearing. In addition, about 412,050 Qat Aden Governorates trees and for Qat trees Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -0-17 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Potential Institutional Comments Proposed Mitigation Project Environmental Responsibilities Cost Measures Activity and Social (Incl. Enforcement Estimate (e.g. secondary Impacts & Coordination) impacts) trees. these trees. plants shall also be affected. US$ 15 / tree is decided. Relocation of Green belt development and median plantation has (Relocation of Qat trees: Qat trees. been proposed along the alignment where water is US$ 3/tree.) The total available. cost estimate is US$ 865,305 for destroyed Qat trees and US$ 1,854,225 for relocation of Qat trees, US$ 244,245 for fruit- bearing trees and US$ 943,950 for non-fruit bearing/other trees. Hot mix and batching plants to be located sufficiently away from settlements, agricultural operations or any commercial establishments. Such Location of Air and Noise, plants shall be located at least 1000 m away from Temporary land Included within Crushers, hot- Loss of the nearest village/ settlement preferably in the acquisition. Contractor/ SC, Contractor's price. The mix and agriculture land, downwind direction. PIU, MPWH cost of monitoring is Batching Loss of natural given in Table 9.1. Plants. landscape. Arrangements to control dust pollution through provision of windscreens, water sprinkling and dust encapsulation shall have to be provided at all such sites. All vehicles, equipment and machinery to be operated shall be of good international standards. Operation of Air pollution, Construction All dumpers carrying construction material and Included within Noise and Oil spill Vehicles, debris should be covered to avoid dust pollution. Contractor/ SC Contractor's price. lead to soil and Equipment The cost of monitoring water and Use Personal Protective Gear by workers, to be is given in Table 9.1. contamination. Machinery. made mandatory at these sites. EHS Guidelines of the World Bank Group to be Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -0-18 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Potential Institutional Comments Proposed Mitigation Project Environmental Responsibilities Cost Measures Activity and Social (Incl. Enforcement Estimate (e.g. secondary Impacts & Coordination) impacts) followed for all construction activities. Idling of vehicles shall not be permitted. All vehicles should adhere to pollution norms. Vehicles and other machinery to be maintained to reduce the air borne contaminants and noise pollution. Noise limits for construction equipment to be operated such as compactors, rollers, front loaders concrete mixers, cranes (moveable), vibrators and saws shall not exceed 75 dB (A), measured at one meter from the edge of the equipment in free field. Contractor is not allowed to use any community water resources. To avoid disruption/disturbance to other water users, the contractor shall extract water from fixed locations in consultation with the SC before Shortage of Water finalizing the locations. Arrangement for Local people. of Water for Dispute over Contractor shall provide a list of locations and type Contractor, SC and Included in Construction Water of sources from where water for construction shall PIU (MPWH) Construction cost. purposes. use/resources. be used. Contractor shall not be allowed to pump water from any irrigation canal. The water for construction shall be used mainly from Wadis (Rivers) or water stored in small dams during rainy season. The water from these sources Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -0-19 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Potential Institutional Comments Proposed Mitigation Project Environmental Responsibilities Cost Measures Activity and Social (Incl. Enforcement Estimate (e.g. secondary Impacts & Coordination) impacts) shall not affect the usage of local people as discussed with Governors and local people. Social Issues due Livelihood to cultural generation for Sitting of Arrangement of local Labor. differences, local people. Labour and Contractor, SC and Included in Loss of Construction Avoid camp construction on agricultural land. PIU (MPWH) Construction cost. agriculture land, camps Loss of natural landscape Waste land shall be used for waste disposal as 439.32 ha of wastelands are available along the alignment. Confining vehicle maintenance and refuelling to areas in construction camps designed to contain spilled lubricants and fuels. Generation Agricultural soil Use special containers with complete labelling, and disposal Pasture land, Included in of Loss of landscape Use second containment tanks for oil collection and Contractor, SC and Construction cost and construction value, handling, PIU (MPWH) the cost of monitoring is wastes and Dust and noise given in Table 9.1. excess pollution Collection, storage and disposal to approved materials. disposal sites, according to EPA requirements, and, to the extent possible, reuse, recycle and properly disposing off all construction materials. Collection of rehabilitation material and transferring it to a licensed dumping site. It is recommended managing the rehabilitation materials for further utilization in the road construction. Opening of Agricultural land No borrow and quarry site shall be opened without Contractor, SC and Included in Borrow and and pasture land, permission of the SC. The location, shape and size PIU (MPWH) Construction cost and Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -0-20 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Potential Institutional Comments Proposed Mitigation Project Environmental Responsibilities Cost Measures Activity and Social (Incl. Enforcement Estimate (e.g. secondary Impacts & Coordination) impacts) Quarry Sites Change in land of the designated borrow and quarry areas shall be the cost of monitoring is use, as approved by the SC and as per the agreement given in Table 9.1. Loss of productive between the land owner and the contractor. soil, Dust Generation. The unpaved surfaces used for the haulage of borrow soil and aggregates materials, if passing through the settlements or habitation shall be maintained dust free by the contractor. Sprinkling of water shall be carried out at least twice a day to control dust along such roads during their period of usage. During dry and windy seasons (winter and summer) frequency of water sprinkling shall be increased near the settlement areas and SC shall decide the numbers of sprinkling locations depending on the local requirement. Contractor shall rehabilitate the borrow areas as soon as work is over for a particular borrow area in accordance with the agreement between the land owner and the contractor. A completion certificate indicating that the redevelopment plan has been executed, countersigned by the owner, shall be furnished by the Contractor for record of the PIU, MPWH. The Wadi Tuban and Aakan are perennial which are Dispute over Obstruction of crossing the alignment, all other water bodies and water usage flow of water, wadis are seasonal hence, the contractor shall make Included in between local I. Construction Contamination of sure that the flow of wadis/water bodies/water ways Contractor, SC and Construction cost. The persons and near surface water, shall not be obstructed / prevented during the PIU (MPWH) cost of monitoring is labors. II. Wadis Silting of water presence of water in the water bodies. given in Table 9.1. bodies. Construction work close to these seasonal Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -0-21 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Potential Institutional Comments Proposed Mitigation Project Environmental Responsibilities Cost Measures Activity and Social (Incl. Enforcement Estimate (e.g. secondary Impacts & Coordination) impacts) Wadis/water bodies/water ways shall be undertaken only during the dry season. If construction work is expected to disrupt users of community water bodies, advance notice shall be served to the affected community. Contractor shall serve advance notice to the downstream users of water wherever excavation/drilling is to take place in the water bodies. Contractor shall take prior approval of the competent authority or SC for any such activity. The PIU, MPWH shall ensure that contractor has served the notice to the downstream users of water well in advance. Reduce working night shifts as much as possible in populated areas and apply road watering after heavy movements Apply the Yemeni regulation for ambient noise Traffic Air Quality And levels during this phase as a major tool in designing Diversion Noise Included in the construction activities schedule. And Contractor, SC and Construction cost. The Construction Road and labour PIU (MPWH) cost of monitoring is Measure concentrations of particulate matter Site Access safety given in Table 9.1. Points Use personal protective gear by workers, and make first aid available onsite. Provide warning signs at suitable distance around working areas Physical Cultural (a) Stop the construction activities in the area of Contractor, SC and Included in Chance Finds Resources may be the chance find; PIU (MPWH) Construction cost. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -0-22 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Potential Institutional Comments Proposed Mitigation Project Environmental Responsibilities Cost Measures Activity and Social (Incl. Enforcement Estimate (e.g. secondary Impacts & Coordination) impacts) impacted (b) Delineate the discovered site or area; (c) Secure the site to prevent any damage or loss of removable objects. In cases of removable antiquities or sensitive remains, a night guard shall be present until the responsible local authorities and the Ministry of Culture take over; (d) Notify the supervisory Engineer who in turn will notify the responsible local authorities and the Ministry of Culture immediately (within 24 hours or less); (e) Responsible local authorities and the Ministry of Culture would be in charge of protecting and preserving the site before deciding on subsequent appropriate procedures. This would require a preliminary evaluation of the findings to be performed by the archeologists from the Heritage Authority (within 72 hours). The significance and importance of the findings should be assessed according to the various criteria relevant to cultural heritage; those include the aesthetic, historic, scientific or research, social and economic values; (f) Decisions on how to handle the finding shall be taken by the responsible authorities from the Heritage Authority. This could include changes in the layout (such as when finding an irremovable remain of cultural or archeologically importance) conservation, preservation, restoration and salvage; (g) Implementation for the authority decision concerning the management of the finding shall be communicated in writing by the Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -0-23 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Potential Institutional Comments Proposed Mitigation Project Environmental Responsibilities Cost Measures Activity and Social (Incl. Enforcement Estimate (e.g. secondary Impacts & Coordination) impacts) Ministry of Culture; and (h) Construction work could resume only after permission is given from the responsible local authorities and the Ministry of Culture concerning safeguard of the heritage. Use of sand platforms for fuelling and transferring of fuel. Miscellaneous activities like Soil and water Contractor, SC and Included in In case of any oil or paint spillage, immediately fuelling, pollution PIU (MPWH) Construction cost. remove the contaminated material and dispose it at painting etc. safe place. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -0-24 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Table 0.2: ESMP during Operation / Maintenance Phase Institutional Potential Proposed Mitigation Comments Project Responsibilities Cost Environmental Measures (e.g. secondary Activity (incl. enforcement Estimates and Social Impacts impacts) & coordination) Use proper warning signs at suitable distance; Road Marking and Immediately remove the painting on sign boards. contaminated soil and dispose Road Safety, the waste in Hazardous waste spillage of oil and disposal site. paint etc. MPWH/EPA Maintenance of side and Avoid working at night. The cost of Only in median guardrails. As required / per Air and Noise monitoring is given maintenance Proper collection of waste in unit. Repair of fence. Quality in Table 9.1. areas working areas. Maintenance of road Avoid bitumen melting Waste Management surface. activities in open spaces. Maintenance of bridges, cleaning of underpasses Regular Cleaning of and maintenance of underpasses and culverts. drainage. Maintenance of service MPWH Periodic cleaning and Only in rest and areas for relocated small Waste Management As needed maintaining services areas. service areas. businesses. Monitoring of During restoration period of MPWH and Cost included in Landscape and Restoration of Borrow borrow sites until the site is Contractor the cost of aesthetics area. handed over to land owner. construction. During restoration period of MPWH and labor and construction camps as Contractor Cost included in Dismantling of Labor Landscape and per agreement with land owner the cost of and construction camps aesthetics until the site is handed over to construction. land owner. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -0-25 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Institutional Potential Proposed Mitigation Comments Project Responsibilities Cost Environmental Measures (e.g. secondary Activity (incl. enforcement Estimates and Social Impacts impacts) & coordination) Plantation of trees to replace MPWH/ Forest or Cost included in Greenbelt and Median Landscape and dead trees and regular watering Agriculture the cost of plantation monitoring ecological of roadside plantation and Department/Contrac construction. median plantation. tor Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -0-26 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Environmental Enhancement: Consultations at various levels has been carried out in order to identify and select the existing facilities which should either be improved or to provide any new facilities in these areas under environmental enhancement proposal. 17 locations were identified based on the discussions with the communities for environmental enhancement. The locations included improvement of stadium,, school, provision of new water, health and recreation facilities for a total budget of USD 585,000. The total monitoring and ESMP cost which includes the Environmental mitigation, Environmental & Social Monitoring cost, training cost, and environmental enhancement cost is estimated at US$ 8,073,100. 0.9 Monitoring & Institutional Strengthening Regular monitoring of all significant, environmental and social parameters is essential to ascertain compliance to the country’s environmental social laws and regulations. The objectives of monitoring is to measure the compliance of construction activities with the ESMP, verify the results, ensure implementation of safety concepts and ensure that construction work is going ahead with all statutory permissions and consents. The monitoring arrangements are essentially the same for the two sub- sections financed by the World Bank (IDA) and the Saudi Fund for Development. Each part of the site where construction is taking place needs to be formally inspected from an environmental and social viewpoint on a regular basis. An environmental and social monitoring program is presented for both the construction and operation / maintenance phases. The monitoring program will focus on air quality, water quality, soil quality, tree plantation; borrow area restoration, socio-economic activities within the project area. The Environmental quality monitoring program will consider the parameters for Air, water, soil and noise quality. Environmental and Social (E&S) Specialists within the PIU (MPWH) will be responsible for monitoring of the compliance with the ESMP, and will work in close collaboration with the Ministry of Environment & Water (MoEW) and Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). Upon completion of the project (i.e., during the operation / maintenance phase) and thereafter, periodic routine inspections / monitoring will continue by the dedicated E&S specialists at the PIU (MPWH) in collaboration with Ministry of Environment & Water and Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). World Bank will monitor the implementation of road specific ESIAs/ESMPs and other Safeguard related documents (Resettlement Action Plans etc.). In particular the Bank must ensure that proper monitoring takes place and that the reports are filed regularly. Should these reports indicate incomplete monitoring of specifically identified social issues; these will be reported to the responsible staff in the PIU (MPWH). 0.10 Institutional Arrangements The institutional arrangements for ensuring adequate management of the environmental and social aspects of the Corridor Highway Project are described in Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -0-27 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) this chapter. Figure given below provides an overview of the institutional setup related to the implementation of the ESMP and RAP. Ministry of Environment MPWH High Level Committee for and Water Resources Land Acquisition and Resettlement PIU - Project Implementation Yemen EPA Technical Committee for Unit Land Acquisition and Resettlement SC - Environmental and Social Specialist Details of the roles of the various institutions involved and their interaction are Civil Works Contractors Field Teams / NGOs described for MPWH, of for Implementation ESMP Implementation Unit (PIU), Yemen Environmental Project for RAP implementation Protection Agency (EPA), and Supervision Consultant (SC) for Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP). The roles of these and other institutions in the implementation of the RAP are described in the RAP document. RAP implementation: To ensure adequate management attention to RAP implementation, three functional entities have been created to manage various aspects and to ensure effective coordination among agencies and jurisdictions that will be involved. A High Supervisory Committee for Land Acquisition and Resettlement (HSC) in an inter-ministerial entity at the apex of the hierarchy. The YCHP Project Implementation Unit (PIU) will manage day-to-day aspects of RAP implementation. And a Technical Committee for Land Acquisition and Resettlement (TC) will support and assist the PIU in valuation of assets, determination of compensation rates, and other technical aspects associated with RAP implementation. RAP implementation also will be supported by relevant officials at the governorate and district levels. The roles and responsibilities of each of these entities are described. Adaptive management arrangements decisions causing deviation from RAP arrangements anywhere along the two highway sub-sections funded by IDA and SFD are brought to the World Bank’s and SFD’s attention by MPWH during project supervision. The World Bank / SFD may object to such deviations if warranted. However, the scope for such adaptive management is limited. No changes will be made to eligibility criteria for resettlement assistance. Unit compensation rates will not be reduced, compensation amounts will not be less than that to be established through application of the unit compensation rates, and other entitlements or forms of assistance to affected persons will not be reduced in scope without the prior concurrence of the World Bank. Grievance management system: The project will include multi-level arrangements for registering and addressing grievances and complaints from project-affected people. The primary purpose of the project grievance management mechanism is to provide clear and accountable means for affected persons to raise complaints and seek remedies when they believe they have been harmed by the project. An effective and responsive grievance management system also facilitates project progress, by Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -0-28 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) reducing the risks that unaddressed complaints eventually lead to construction delays, lengthy court procedures, or adverse public attention. The Grievance Redress Management System (GRMS) is placed below: ****** Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -0-29 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Country Background Situated on the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula, the Republic of Yemen has a population of some 24 million, of which about 76 percent live in rural areas where poverty incidence is particularly high. The country has a low GNI per capita of US$1,110 (2011), while on the UNDP Human Development Index, Yemen ranked 154th out of 187 countries in 2011. However, the report also showed that average life expectancy is up from 41.6 years in 1970 to 62.7 in 2010, with women’s life expectancy mirroring the overall trend. Across all economic and social indicators, Yemen is characterized by high levels of poverty and inequality. In addition to the already existent widespread poverty, Yemen experienced intense and extensive domestic unrest from February 2011 until November 2011. The long- lasting conflict and turmoil, and severe shortages of food and fuel, combined with high commodity prices left many poor unprotected. During this period of crisis, the economy contracted by 10.5 percent and the number of those living below the poverty line is estimated to have increased by 8 percentage points to 50 percent of the Yemeni population. Rising fuel costs caused sharp increases in transport costs, sometimes reaching 100 percent in urban areas and twice as much in rural areas. Meanwhile, oil production is expected to continue to decline and reserves are expected to run out by 2021 in the absence of new oil discoveries and developments. State revenues from natural gas production and exports will offer some cushion, but cannot compensate for the loss of oil revenues. As a result of the events of 2011, Yemen has embarked on a political transition based on an agreement brokered by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The Government of National Reconciliation was formed and confirmed by Parliament in December 2011. Presidential elections were held in February 2012, and President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Al-Hadi sworn in soon afterward. The National Dialogue Conference (NDC), a key element of the GCC agreement and transition process, was launched in an atmosphere of much hope, trepidation, and protest. The first phase of the transition is expected to end in the first half of 2014 with legislative and presidential elections to be held under a new constitution, followed by the inauguration of a new president and formation of a new parliament. The second phase of the transition will see the practical implementation of the agreements negotiated during the National Dialog Conference. In the meantime, the transition government has an opportunity to start addressing the underlying causes of instability and social strife in order to rebuild Yemen’s social and economic base, and to restore macroeconomic stability. There is an overall sense of optimism and hope for inclusive change in post-revolution Yemen, but the country’s transition may face significant risks if reforms and economic opportunities do not materialize quickly, and if substantive changes are not felt by the population. Yemen needs the collective support of the development community as it works to sustain its political transition and economic recovery, while fighting strong countervailing forces, including regional grievances that have led to enduring separatist violence in the north and south, al-Qaeda militancy, and recalcitrant elements of the previous regime in Sana’a. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -1-1 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 1.2 Sectorial And Institutional Context Yemen’s road sector has gone through a radical transformation in the past three decades. The most striking element has been the creation of a network of modern paved roads linking most of the main cities and governorates, particularly in the densely populated and mountainous western part of the country. This network has indeed grown from only about 5,000 km in 1990 to about 14,000 km in 2010, a 280 percent increase over about twenty years. Major progress has also taken place in rural areas where about 5,500 km of paved roads have been constructed in the past twenty years (out of a total of 58,200 km of non-urban roads). The paved road network is in relatively good condition, in part due to its young age but also due to the mostly excellent geotechnical conditions and road building materials in Yemen. The improvements of the road network have had a major impact on the population and the economy, promoting internal and external trade, enabling a growing share of the population to have access to public services and markets, and ensuring that food imports reach remote areas. Yemen has about 58,200 km of non-urban roads, of which 14,200 km are presently paved. The network of unpaved roads includes about 44,000 km; many of those are earth roads. There are many unpaved roads which are gradually being upgraded to paved standards under different Government programs. In total, very significant local and donor resources have been allocated to the road sector over the past few years. Yemen’s current road network (in kilometres)4 Paved roads – total 14,200 International 3,600 Main 5,100 Secondary and rural 5,500 Unpaved roads 44,000 Grand Total 58,200 The organization of the road sector and its main institutions has also undergone important changes in the past decades. The Ministry of Public Works and Highways (MPWH) has gradually taken firm control of the road sector and of the strategies and expenditure programs necessary for its development. In addition, a diverse set of private road construction and maintenance companies, and engineering firms, has emerged in Yemen with a cadre of qualified specialists who have a good understanding of the special physical conditions and human constraints in Yemen. Despite this positive change in Yemen’s road sector, the Government still needs to develop more effective methods and institutions that are necessary for managing, operating and maintaining its road network at higher standards, particularly larger infrastructure such as new highways. Yemen has one of the poorest traffic safety records in the region with almost 6,500 reported deaths every year on the road network. Traffic police records show about 13,000 accidents with injuries each year, affecting about 17,000 people and their 4Source: Ministry of Public Works and Highways Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -1-2 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) families5. Road traffic injuries rank among the top 10 causes of death in Yemen. Such high rates of road traffic injuries and fatalities, also characterized by the high share of pedestrian fatalities, disproportionally affect the economically active population in Yemen; hence, the economic and social consequences are significant. The key factors that contribute to the poor road safety records are: (i) poor road conditions and the lack of safety features in road design, (ii) unsafe driving behaviour; and (iii) ineffective enforcement of traffic laws and regulations. Prevalent among drivers are speeding and the use of communication devices (cell phones), while seat belts and other safety measures are not widely used. The World Bank has had a dialog with the Government on a range of needed measures to improve road safety, which include physical and non-physical measures (institutional and legislative). However, the unstable political and governance environment has not been conducive to the non- physical measures which should normally be applied as part of a comprehensive road safety strategy. In practical terms, physical road safety improvements on roads are presently the only viable and realistic measures likely to produce measurable results. Notwithstanding the behavioural, institutional and political issues in Yemen, from the road sector’s point of view it is urgent and critical to improve the physical features of roads to reduce the likelihood and severity of crashes. A formal road safety audit should be required not only for new construction (as planned under this project) but also for road rehabilitation and reconstruction where are ample opportunities to change the geometric design of roads and add other road safety features for improved safety. 1.3 Project Rationale And Expected Benefits In terms of main road arteries, most of Yemen’s major cities are connected by an existing North-South road. It begins in the southern port city of Aden and passes through Taiz, Ibb, Dhamar, Sana’a, Amran and Saada before reaching the Saudi Arabian border at Albayn. Although the existing road is a vital transportation route, it was not designed for efficient long-distance and inter-urban traffic. There are a host of problems affecting its use, first and foremost its inadequate physical capacity for handling rising levels of traffic. This lack of capacity has resulted in traffic jams, particularly where the road passes directly through the densely populated and congested centers of the capitals of eight governorates. Another problem is the high gradients and often sharp curves of the road, resulting in low average travel speeds of only between 40 to 60 km/hour. Overall, the road cannot serve as an efficient long- distance transport artery for passengers and commercial freight. The Ministry of Public Works and Highways estimates that traffic on the road had increased at a rate of 5 percent per year during the decade before the unrest in 2011, with traffic surpassing the road capacity on many sections. Although traffic growth has been stifled since 2011, long lines of vehicles still form today behind heavy trucks which slowly climb or descend the winding mountainous road sections. This leads to risky behaviour of drivers trying to overtake trucks, often resulting in serious accidents claiming many lives. 5 In Yemen, data on traffic injuries and fatalities are collected by the traffic police as part of a nationwide system (not gender-disaggregated). Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -1-3 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) The MPWH has implemented partial solutions in the past, such as bypasses and ring roads in some cities, but they did not generally resolve the issues mentioned above, prompting the Government to seek a more comprehensive solution. With this intention, the Yemeni Government started already in 2003 to conceptualize and design a completely new dual carriageway highway between Aden and the border with Saudi Arabia (denominated as “Saada–Aden Yemen International Corridor Highway” or “SAYICH”). The new highway will provide the country with an additional 710 km long North-South route that will adequately serve its current and future transport needs. Detailed and in-depth studies to select the best overall highway alignment and the most appropriate technical design solutions were carried out between 2003 and 2005 by German and British engineering design firms hired by the GoY. Since that time, however and until recently the GoY had not been able to mobilize the funding necessary for that highway. This changed in the context of the National Dialog Conference, with several external partners showing interest in funding major new infrastructure projects in Yemen, and in particular the planned new Saada – Aden Yemen International Corridor Highway. The different sections of the SAYICH Program are shown below. It envisions multiple donors for the different highway sections. Section 1: Aden - Taiz - Sub-Section from Aden to Noubat Dokaim: 55 km (planned IDA funding) - Sub-Section from Noubat Dokaim to Taiz: 85 km (SFD funding) Section 2: Taiz - Ibb - Dhamar - Sana'a: 214 km (funding to be identified) Section 3: Sana'a - Amran - Saada (Albain border): 358 km (funding to be identified) The first section of the new highway, for which funding has been identified, is located between Aden and Taiz, with a length of 140 km. The present ESIA covers this section. It is of particular importance in the context of the National Dialog, since it connects the areas of the former South and North Yemen, and thus the main conflicting interest groups. Recognizing the above and the need to demonstrate actual quick progress on the ground, the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia agreed in early 2013 to fund the construction of 85 km of this section, as a separate project, between the city of Taiz and the locality of Noubat Dokaim. Loan and Grant Agreements totalling US$ 320 million were signed between the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) and the GoY in March 2013. The World Bank (IDA) is also planning to support the Government’s overall program for the Saada – Aden Yemen International Corridor Highway (SAYICH). The Government of Yemen has asked the World Bank to play a catalytic role in the mobilization of future large-scale funding for the SAYICH. The World Bank is planning to initially support the SAYICH Program through IDA resources of US$ 150 million for the "Corridor Highway Project" which covers the part of Section 1 of the SAYICH which is not funded by the SFD, between Noubat Dokaim and Aden (55 km). The IDA-funded "Corridor Highway Project" will thus complement the separate SFD-funded project of the 85 km between Noubat Dokaim and Taiz. Very importantly, the IDA-funded project will include activities to lay the groundwork for the other future sections of the Corridor Highway for which funding has not yet been identified, such as preparing feasibility and design studies, and carrying out the ESIA, ESMP and RAP for those sections. The availability of those project preparation Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -1-4 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) studies (reviewed and endorsed by the Bank) will make other donors feel comfortable towards providing further funding in the future. However, there is no other funding committed to the SAYICH Program at this time and it is uncertain if and when other sections of the SAYICH can be started. The direct and rather “technical” project rationale described above is thus to create better conditions for drivers, reduce vehicle operating costs and driving times and make the road safer. Beyond the quantifiable project benefits of transport cost reduction, time savings and reduced traffic fatalities which are captured in the traditional economic analysis, the project is expected to have numerous broader social benefits which feed into higher-level objectives pursued by the Government of Yemen and the World Bank. Even though these cannot be quantified with any reasonable level of precision, there is widespread consensus that the construction and subsequent operation of this highway will provide economic and social benefits at least to the inhabitants of the eight Governorates it will connect with each other. These are the Governorates of Aden, Lahj, Taiz, Ibb, Dhamar, Sana’a, Amran and Saada, which represent about two thirds (2/3) of Yemen’s total population.  At the present time, Yemen’s biggest challenge is to remain a unified country with the necessary conditions for peace, security and stability, and to avoid a new civil war. The ongoing National Dialog Conference (NDC) is the forum where a peaceful settlement of differences is to be achieved. During the multi-party discussions in the NDC, the new Corridor Highway between Aden and the border to Saudi Arabia was identified by all parties as a key strategic project which would be crucial for unifying the country and provide much needed economic opportunities for the numerous communities along the corridor.  In the short term, the construction itself of the road will bring important short- term benefits through job opportunities for thousands of workers, unskilled and skilled, including those who have been repatriated from Saudi Arabia and Gulf states in the recent past. It will also bring large-scale business opportunities for many Yemeni firms who will be involved in the construction activities, as contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers of goods and services. It is these direct short-term benefits that are of specific importance in the context of the ongoing political consolidation and unification process.  In the medium and long term, the new Saada-Aden Yemen International Highway (SAYICH) Program, of which the Corridor Highway Project is the first part, is expected to bring trade facilitation and general economic revitalization, and better access by rural populations to the markets and services located in the larger cities along the new highway.  The project is expected to have a transformational impact due to the new institutional arrangements for asset management and maintenance that it will introduce, again providing business opportunities for local firms and communities along the highway corridor. More details about the social benefits of the project are presented in Chapter 7 (detailed impact assessment). Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -1-5 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 1.4 Expected Project Beneficiaries The most direct beneficiaries of the Corridor Highway Project, and of the wider SAYICH Program, are Yemeni road users, which may be vehicle owners, but can also be passengers traveling in buses, or owners of cargo being transported by truck. These will benefit from reduced transportation s and travel times between the connected cities and regions, and much improved traveling comfort. The communities located along the new corridor will benefit economically for two main reasons. First, during the construction period a large number of skilled and unskilled workers will be employed by private contractors, resulting in important income generation (about 1.28 million person-days of unskilled work alone during the 3 to 4 years of project execution, at a rate of about US$ 18 per day). Unskilled workers, which in economic terms are part of the bottom 40% of the population, will typically be recruited from the area of the physical works, resulting in direct income generation for this group in the area of the road. Secondly, the passenger and freight traffic on the new highway will generate business opportunities for communities along the highway, both during construction (as suppliers to contractors) and during operation, at the rest and service areas. The Ministry of Public Works and Highways will benefit from enhanced capacity in managing and maintaining the new corridor asset, while private contractors and consultants will benefit from the contracts that will arise from project execution and from the subsequent operation and maintenance of the new highway. Both women and men are expected to benefit from the improved mobility, safety and access to markets and services along the corridor between Aden and Taiz. There is no hard gender-specific data available on road users, pedestrian traffic and on traffic injuries and deaths along the planned highway (and in Yemen in general). However, in terms of safety benefits it seems likely that (i) women and children will benefit in particular from the increased pedestrian safety generated by the project, since they tend to constitute the majority of pedestrians in settlements along the road, in order to access social services and markets (stores). The project will improve pedestrian safety mostly on the existing road, since the new road will take much of the high-speed traffic off the existing road and put it on the new highway which is further away from settlements. On the other hand, men will mostly benefit from those road safety improvements that address safety risks for drivers and vehicle occupants, which in their majority are men. Given that the project is to build a new major highway, it was found that it does not lend itself for gender-specific project actions or components, unlike urban and rural road projects which do often present such opportunities. 1.5 Methodology The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) was based (i) on the scope of work given in Terms of Reference (TOR) provided to the Consultant, (ii) on discussions between the consultant and MPWH officials and (iii) on consultations with stakeholders during the site visits and surveys. The ESIA study is further based on (iv) a thorough review and analysis of the technical interventions (road construction) of the project which are provided in the detailed technical design which was previously prepared by an engineering design consultant, (v) a review of the environmental and social assessment requirements for such projects as defined by the Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -1-6 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Government of Yemen and the World Bank’s applicable policies and guidelines, and (vi) the cataloguing of environmental and social issues which were identified during the site visits and stakeholders consultations. Data was also collected from primary and secondary sources for the physical, biological and ecological environment. Based on the location data of engineering design, the expected environmental and social impacts were identified and appropriate mitigation measures were proposed to reduce as much as possible the adverse environmental and social impacts of the project. This has led to the development of four Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMP’s); one separate ESMP for each of the four lots of civil works (contract packages) to be executed by contactors. Each ESMP includes an implementation schedule and defines the roles and responsibilities of the various actors. Budgetary provisions have been made to pay for mitigating or reducing adverse environmental and social impacts in line with the stipulations of relevant local laws, and the policies of the World Bank methodology 1.6 Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Process The overall purpose of this ESIA is to fully comply with the applicable regulations, policies and guidelines which apply to the project of building the new Corridor Highway between Aden and Taiz (140 km). The specific objectives of the ESIA are: 1. To identify all potentially significant positive and adverse environmental and social impacts, along with the expected positive impacts of the project. 2. To identify measures for mitigating negative environmental and social impacts and for avoiding as much as possible any serious and irreversible damage to the environment and people. 3. To identify any possible measures which could help to make sure that expected project benefits materialize. 4. To establish an Environmental and Social Management and Monitoring Plan as a tool for implementing all envisaged measures and activities. 5. To ensure that environmental and social factors are considered in the decision- making process for the proposed road construction through effective consultations with potentially affected persons and stakeholders. 6. Where necessary, provide guidelines for potential adjustments to project design, further minimize negative impacts performance. 7. To inform the public about the proposed project and ensuring effective participation and involvement by stakeholders. 1.7 Screening The Environmental and Social Screening of three potential project corridor alternatives was carried out during the original feasibility study for the Corridor Highway, keeping in mind the following aspects:  The people who will be affected due to highway construction. Hence the settlements along the highway and the number of people affected in each settlement were considered during the screening exercise. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -1-7 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km)  The type of land resources needed for the project, such as agricultural land, pasture land, barren (desert) land which will have to be acquired before highway construction.  The likely numbers of trees, vegetation, natural habitats, natural environment that will be affected were also compared for various corridor scenarios.  The ground water and surface water sources that will be affected.  The cultural and community assets that will be affected, such as religious structures, heritage sites, graves, historic sites, etc. along the project corridor. Chapter 6 (Analysis of Project Alternatives) provides details on the initial corridor studies and the justification of the corridor which was chosen and for which the detailed engineering design was carried out. 1.8 Modification to Terms of Reference for the ESIA The ESIA has been carried out in line with the TOR approved by the World Bank and for which consultations had been carried out. One minor change was made to the requirement of Environmental baseline data collection and presentation. Given the tight time frame for the preparation of the ESIA and the absence in Yemen of equipment for measuring air quality, it was agreed that site-specific measured data on air quality will be collected at the beginning of project implementation by the Consultant, at locations along the alignment of the planned highway. These locations have been identified and are shown in this ESIA report. It is to be noted that until now no air quality measurements have been carried out anywhere in Yemen. 1.9 Consultations with Stakeholders In order to adopt a transparent and participatory approach towards the project, extensive stakeholder’s consultations were conducted with different groups and at numerous locations during the survey. Since this is a Category A project according the World Bank criteria, several subsequent sessions of public consultations were carried out with affected groups. First, public consultations were conducted before the finalization of TOR’s for the ESIA. A second round of consultation was held during the extensive field surveys in December 2013 when the draft ESIA was being finalized. Proceedings of the consultations were recorded and minutes prepared during formal consultations. Field notes on discussions were prepared for all non-formal consultations. 1.10 Co-ordination among Environmental, Social and Engineering teams The ESIA study was carried out by environmental and social specialists (both foreign and local). The joint visits by environmental and social experts helped identify the environmental and social issues of the project. The public hearings were also conducted jointly by the social and environmental experts. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -1-8 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) The detailed design report and feasibility study report were reviewed to understand the alignment of the planned highway, the technical interventions of the project, the areas of necessary land acquisition, the location of bridges, overpasses, underpasses, the construction materials to be used, volumes of earth movements, traffic data etc. There was continuous interaction with the design engineers and surveyors of the Ministry of Public Works and Highways (MPWH) during the study. The regional offices of MPWH in Taiz, Lahj and Aden Governorates participated with staff (surveyors and engineers) during the field surveys to guide the ESIA team on the highway alignment and the planned project interventions along the planned alignment. The environmental and social team also organized many meetings with the officials of MPWH in its Headquarter in Sana’a in order to discuss the various project issues (engineering design, environmental, social, land needs, etc.) related to the project. Finally, the project will also benefit People with Limited Mobility (PLM) since the service areas along the new highway will be designed barrier-free to enable access with wheelchairs, crutches, etc. 1.11 Structure of the Report This comprehensive ESIA report is structured sequentially in the following chapters: Executive Summary Chapter 1 : Introduction Chapter 2 : Project Description Chapter 3 : Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework Chapter 4 : Description of Baseline Environment and Socio-Economic conditions Chapter 5 : Public Consultation, Community Participation and Grievance Redress Mechanism Chapter 6 : Analysis of Project Alternatives Chapter 7 : Potential Environmental and Social Impacts Chapter 8 : Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) Chapter 9 : Monitoring and Institutional Strengthening Chapter 10 : Institutional Arrangements Annexures Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -1-9 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 2.1 Physical Characteristics of the Project The construction of the new Aden-Taiz highway consists of civil works on a new alignment over a length of 140 km (double carriageway). The project road starts at Al-Alam near the coastal city of Aden and ends at Al-Ganad, about 12 km northeast of the city of Taiz. One of the criteria for the selection of the corridor was to avoid passing through towns, villages and settlements. The highway was originally designed as a 6-lane road (3 travel lanes in each direction). However, on the 55 km subsection between Aden and Noubat Dokaim the highway will only be built as a 4-lane road (2 travel lanes in each direction), but with a platform wide enough to accommodate two additional lanes in the future. The overall platform width is 36.7 m, to accommodate 2 x 3 travel lanes, each 3.65 m in width, of which only the two outer lanes in each direction will be built now. The median will be (i) wide enough to accommodate two additional travel lanes (one in each direction) in the future when traffic levels require such an additional investment, and (ii) will still be 6 m wide after the addition of the two lanes, or 3.6 meters wide in mountainous terrain. The typical cross-section will also include, on each side of the road, a 2.0 m wide verge, and gravel and paved hard shoulders, each of 1.2 m in width. From the start, all structures (bridges, culverts, intersections) will be built so that two additional lanes can be added later (if the need arises) without a need to modify those structures. Only the “outer” four travel lanes will thus be built, including shoulders. The “inner” two lanes will only be established at the level of “cut and fill/earthworks” and will initially be part of the median. On the 85 km subsection between Noubat Dokaim and Taiz the civil works will be done in line with the original design, with all 6 travel lanes to be built now. The typical cross-section of the new highway is shown in Figure 2.2 further below. The design speed is of 100 or 120 km/h, depending on local conditions. This will be a “controlled access” highway, with entry and exit only possible at the interchanges which will connect this highway with the rest of the Yemeni road network. The civil works will include the main carriageways, interchanges, highway structures and bridges, interconnecting and local (village and farmland) roads, installation of traffic safety measures and the rest and service areas. Flexible type pavement (asphalt concrete) with a total thickness of 50 cm (wearing course 5 cm, binder 5 cm, aggregate base course 20 cm and aggregate sub-base 20 cm) will be constructed above a 20 cm subgrade level. Traffic safety measures comprise double-sided median barriers and single-sided barriers at the shoulders. Most intersections along the highway have been designed as grade-separated interchanges, diamond type, due to the nature of the intersecting roads and traffic demand, in order to provide safety for vehicle movements in all directions. Connections with the Aden Ring Road and the Aden Coastal Road at Al Alam are designed as three-lane turbo-roundabouts. The highway will be fully equipped to enable required level of service for users, containing lighting at interchanges, rest areas and service areas. Numerous road culverts (5 x 5 m and 3 x 3 m) are foreseen for provision of access between different sides of the highway, and for access between villages and farmland. These culverts will be suitable for pedestrians and animals. Civil works will also include the duct for Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -2-1 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) a new fibre optic backbone cable and related manholes, etc. which will be incorporated into the road embankment or sub-base. For procurement purposes, the works are divided into two smaller, roughly equal lots in order to facilitate the participation of local Yemeni contractors in the works. The project will include the services of a consulting firm to act as the Engineer (engineering supervision) for civil works and also to ensure adequate environmental and social safeguards management during construction of the highway, including post-construction services during at least one year. The main role of the Engineer will be to ensure that the works are implemented according to specifications, within the cost and according to the schedule. 2.2 Existing Conditions Along the Proposed Alignment for New Road The proposed Aden -Taiz (140 km) road section traverses through three Governorates of Republic of Yemen namely; Aden, Lahj and Taiz. As mentioned above, the project road starts at Al-Alam near the coastal city of Aden and passes through the districts of Al-Amad, Bi’r Jabir, Al-Hutah, Al-Anad, Noubat- Dokaim, Aquan, Musaymir, Ad Durayjah, Al-Qub’ah, Mawyaand terminates at the locality of Al-Ganad, about 12 km northeast of the city of Taiz. About 36 km of the proposed length is located in Taiz Governorate, 99 km in Lahj Governorate and 5 km in Aden Governorate. A view of the proposed highway corridor is shown in Figure 2.1. The list of Villages located in the proximity of the proposed alignment is presented in Table 2.1. The feasibility and design studies for the highway assign the chainage for the road in the opposite sense, with chainage km 0 being at Al-Ganad (near Taiz) and the end point at chainage km 140 located at Al-Alam near Aden. In that order, the corridor of the highway starts and runs through a wide and flat-bottomed intensively-cultivated valley approximately up to Ch.km 5.5. After that; it crosses a rugged hilly and mountainous region, divided by many steep-sided and deep wadis, approximately up to Ch. Km 24.5 near Mawiyeh town. Approximately from Ch.24.5 to Ch.39.5, the road alignment runs through relatively narrow valley bounded by steep rugged mountains. The alignment crosses these mountains at several locations. The valley is intensively cultivated and planted. Along this stretch, the road alignment crosses several rugged basaltic hills. The area between Ch.39.5 and Ch.50 is rugged hilly rocky side that contains some steep igneous mountains. Approximately from Ch.50. to Ch. 90.5; the road corridor passes through relatively low-rise soil hilly areas that are built up by thick soil deposits. The site is divided by several steep-sided wadis. Approximately, from Ch.90.5 to the end of the road, the roadway passes through flat to gently rolling and undulated terrain covered mostly by fine, loose wind-blown sand and crossed by many sand dunes. Vegetation along the study route is variable. The stony surfaces of the hills and mountains are rather poorly vegetated where scattered shrubs, small bushes and small plantations were observed. Lowlands and valley areas are covered with brown silty- clayey soils that are intensively cultivated and planted mainly with variable vegetables. Classification of the site based on the intensity of vegetation is as follows: Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -2-2 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km)  From Ch. 0.0 (start of the roadway) to Ch. 5.5: very rich with plantations and farms.  From Ch. 5.5 to Ch. 24.5: scattered plantations and farms, locally rich with plantations and farms.  From Ch. 24.5 to Ch. 50: rich with wild bushes and small trees beside many spots of intensively cultivated and planted areas.  From Ch. 50 to Ch. 90: scattered plantations and farms.  From Ch. 120 to Ch. 140 (end): very poor vegetation cover, however some farms exist to the west of the corridor. Further data regarding the site characteristics are provided in Chapter 4 on current environmental and social conditions. Table 2.1: List of Villages along the proposed Highway Corridor Sl. No. Governorate Villages Alariq, Aljand, Alasrar, Alasria, Aldhurafi, Alhajr, Alhajrh, Alhamror, Alharbh, Alhubanh, Alhubaniah, Alhuzm, Aljurbh, Alkhalal, Alkharaz, Almaeniah, Almain, Almalik, Almanih, Almasatif, Almoaina, 1. Taiz Almoainh, Alorbh, afihuqlA, Alshuaib, Alurbah, Alzuraqh, Alzwaqer, Bar Almahrwr, Habelalorebe, Hamirim, Hamirim – Thurah, Hass, HubilAltawil, Najd Albakili, ShabMahrws, Tamas, Thabh, , Tharwahand Thurah Akan, AlSloob, AlThabrh, Alanad, Albatan, Aldomyh, Aldoraigh, afsAamAA, Almosaimer, afiasAqlu, Alsamolh, Alsarahina, Althabrh, By aldrigh, By Hubailalfsrh, By Hubail summer, By zik, Habelalorebe, 2. Lahj HabilAlsawda, haiAqfr afiasAqlu, haiAqfr afmuAsm, haiAqfr iAfuq, jolMadram, nAttAK, Moraib, Moraib Valley, Moreb, Moreb Valley, Nashm, Qailaa Mountain, duAAiraaulAl, Zaiqand Zaiq Alaala 3. Aden Al –Amad *Source: Census survey, December 2013. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -2-3 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Figure 2.1: Road Alignment Map Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -2-4 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Figure 2.2: Typical Cross-Section Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -2-5 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 3 POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK 3.1 Introduction Since 1990, the Government of Republic of Yemen (RoY) has established institutions and responsibilities for environmental management, joined international conventions and continues to develop sector legislation and procedures. A National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) was adopted in 1995 and the Environmental Protection Law was enacted a year later. The NEAP established priority issues and actions in the main environmental fields such as water, land resources, natural habitats and waste management. Despite these efforts, Yemen continues to face serious environmental problems such as severe water crisis leading to loss of arable land, forests and unique habitats; waste pollution negatively affecting populations’ health. These issues cause poverty and reduced development opportunities in the country. The following sections describe the relevant regulations and their implications for the project – for the preparation as well as the implementation phases. 3.2 Environmental Policy, Strategies & Law of Yemen The Environment Protection Law (EPL) number 26 of 1995 forms the basis for the protection of the environment, issuance of permits, and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA’s). The provisions of this law are implemented through Executive Regulations (By-Law 148-2000), issued by a decree of the Council of Ministers to protect the environment, natural resources, society, and health. In addition, the law is designed to protect the national environment from activities practiced beyond national boundaries and to implement international commitments ratified by the Republic of Yemen in relation to environmental protection, control of pollution, conservation of natural resources, and the protection of such globally important environmental issues such as the ozone layer depletion and climate changes. The law equally stipulates the incorporation of environmental considerations in economic development plans at all levels and stages of planning for all sectors. It also requires the preparation of EIAs for projects proposed by the public and private sectors. However, to date there is still no regulatory framework to support the implementation of the EPL and the provision of undertaking EIAs for projects is not strictly enforced. Subsequently, the Environment Protection Council (EPC) under the Council of Ministers issued bylaw No. 148 of 2000 as Executive Bylaw for the law 26 of 1995. This bylaw specifically mentions that licenses should not be granted prior to submission of evaluation study about the environmental effects and the appropriate authorities should examine the specifications, ingredients and regulations issued by the EPC. Such a study should be undertaken by an independent authority. New roads and improvements of main roads are identified as activities that require such an evaluation, according to Annexure 1 of the decree. Equally important, environmental standards and specifications have been prepared by the former Environment Protection Council as annexes to the Executive Regulations, covering potable water quality, wastewater quality for agriculture, and ambient air quality, emissions, noise, biodiversity and protected areas. These include standard application forms intended for use by all relevant government bodies. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -3-1 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Also there are other policies, strategies and programs in Yemen to safeguard the Environment. The list of these policies, strategies and programs are given in Table 3.1. Table 3.1: Government Policy, Strategies and Programs Relevant to Environmental Protection Statements, strategies and programs Year National Environmental Action Plan 1996 Environment & Sustainable Investment Program 2003-08 Biodiversity Strategy 1999-03 Environmental Impact Assessment Policy for the Republic of Yemen 1997 Reports on the State of Environment (by EPA) Annual Evaluation of Future Development of the EIA System in Yemen 2001 3.3 Requirement of EIA and Environmental Permission for Highway Projects Article 35 of EPL states that, “It is not permissible for any competent body to give permission or issue a license to establish or operate or amend projects or establishments that affect and damage the environment or contribute to its deterioration or causing its pollution or participate in occurring such effects or harm human health or other living organism, only in accordance to the standards or criteria or specifications or conditions that are determined and specified by the Council”. Also Article 36 of EPL states that ”It is not permissible to issue license for projects and establishments which are by its nature a source of an environmental pollution or that is potentially causing environmental impacts and damages arising out of its activities unless an Environmental Impact Assessment statement referred to in this law is undertaken”. Hence in view of the Article 35 and 36 of EPL it is mandatory to undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment Study of any project which has adverse impacts on Environment, Ecology and Human Health in Yemen. The construction of new roads and improvements to existing main roads are identified as activities that require environmental effects evaluation. Therefore, an Environmental Clearance will be required from the Environmental Protection Council (EPC) of the Government of Yemen for the proposed Corridor Highway project. 3.4 International Conventions and Treaties Signed By Yemen Yemen is signatory of more than 20 international conventions on environmental issues. Those relevant for the road sector are summarized in Table 3.2. However, at this time the capacities of national agencies to deal with the technical complexities and reporting requirements of international agreements are not sufficient. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -3-2 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Table 3.2: Environmental and other Conventions Ratified by the Government, relevant to the Road Sector Place & Date of Ratification date Convention Stipulation in Yemen Rio de Janeiro, Biological Diversity 03/12/1995 1992 World Cultural & Natural Heritage Paris, 1972 07/01/1981 Civil Responsibility for Damage from Paris, 1969 04/06/1979 Oil Pollution Related to the issue of cultural heritage, Yemeni law (Law No. 21 of 1994 on Antiquities) is based on the concept of an archaeological site “perimeter” and of a 500 meters “observance area”. Within these two areas various protection levels are considered. There is however no specific procedures for chance finds specified in the law. 3.5 Institutional Setup in Yemen In Yemen, the Ministry of Water and Environment is in charge of implementing the Environmental laws, polices, standards and specifications meant to conserve natural resources and to control pollution. The Yemen Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is empowered by the Ministry to carry out functions to protect the environmental quality in the country. There are other Ministries and agencies which have direct and indirect responsibilities for the protection of the environment and pollution control. All the organisations that may have some responsibility during the implementation of the planned project, or that are otherwise related to road projects in general, are shown in Table 3.3. Table 3.3: Organizations responsible during Project Implementation Ministry or Government Responsibility Body Managing the water sector and coordinating the Ministry of Water and existing water agencies (NWRA, NWSA, etc.), as Environment (MOWE) well as oversight of ecological matters. Environmental protection and natural resources Environmental Protection conservation with statutory planning, licensing, Authority (EPA) monitoring and auditing functions. Planning, construction and maintenance of all Ministry of Public Works and roads in Yemen, except feeder roads (Ministry of Highways (MOPWH) Agriculture) and earth tracks (Ministry of Local Administration). Ministry of Local Maintaining earth tracks. Administration (MOLA) Ministry of Agriculture and Maintaining feeder roads and overseeing the Irrigation (MAI) irrigation sector. Managing, developing, exploiting, and conserving National Water Resource the water resources. Authority (NWRA) Prepare basin plans and monitor water resources. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -3-3 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Ministry or Government Responsibility Body Ministry of Culture - General Conserving cultural heritage, excavation for Organization for Antiquities, antiquities, and archaeological sites. Museums and Manuscripts Enforcement of the antiquities law. (GOAMM) Ministry of Public Health Financing, planning, regulation, management, and (MOPH) provision of health services at all levels Responsible for overall monitoring of contractor SAYICH PIU, Environmental compliance with ESMP during implementation and Social Unit stage During the course of preparation of the Corridor Highway project, the EPA was consulted by MPWH. The Terms of Reference for the ESIA were shared with the EPA and their concurrence was obtained. EPA clearance will also be sought and obtained for the draft final ESIA report which will be reviewed by the EIA division of the EPA. In addition, the MPWH and EPA are collaborating to ensure that during the implementation stage, the impacts are in line with the predictions in the ESIA and that mitigation measures are being implemented as per the ESMP. Civil society organizations in Yemen are weak. There are currently very few NGOs that could be considered as potential stakeholders in this project. Although the Ministries and Government bodies that are related to implementation of the project have formal responsibilities, it is clear that because of budgetary constraints as well as differing capacities, these institutions may not work optimally in all contexts and in particular at the local level, presenting problems similar to those discussed under the Social Development section detailed below. 3.6 Other Project Related Policies and Procedures The Republic of Yemen has many policies, procedures and programs which are directly or indirectly related to land acquisition, social development, poverty reduction and gender issues. These are explained in following sections 3.6.1 Land Acquisition There is no Resettlement and Rehabilitation policy in Yemen, however there is an official procedure for land acquisition in Yemen included in “The Public Eminent Domain Law”. The Various articles concerning land acquisition are stated as follows:  Articles 1, 2 (defining projects of public interest)  Article 4 on the administrative procedures for land acquisition  Article 6 on the mutually agreed procedures for land acquisition  Article 7 on the judicial procedures for land acquisition  Articles 12 – 16 on temporary acquisition of land  Articles 21, 27 provisions for land acquisition Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -3-4 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 3.6.2 Social Development Policies The GoY in cooperation with international funding agencies is implementing a series of programs to improve the socio-economic condition of people in Yemen. Some of these programs are relevant to the environment and therefore are included here. The Social Welfare Fund (SWF), an agency under the Ministry of Insurance and Social Affairs (MISA) provides transfers of funds to those who are unable to work and to members of the poorest sections of Yemeni society. The Public Works Project run by the Ministry of Planning and Development (MoPD) is designed to create short-term employment opportunities for those who are able to work. The Social Fund for Development (SFD) seeks to provide support for long-term development opportunities for the poor. 3.6.3 Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) The PRS reflects the role of the environment for the living standard of the poor in Yemen. In the past, the traditional farming systems had a balanced use of water resources and land use. But the social and economic changes in the last thirty years have resulted in changing farming and grazing practices and in rapidly expanding urban areas. This in turn has led to widespread soil erosion and sand encroachment, deforestation, agricultural and rangeland deterioration, and loss of farmland due to urban encroachment. While poverty does not necessarily lead to environmental degradation, there are clear effects of poverty on environment in Yemen today. The Government has therefore decided that the following environmental policies are to be strengthened within the PRS:  Enhance the technical capacities of relevant institutions to develop comprehensive environment and development projects and programs relying on community participation;  Institutional empowerment of local organizations;  Find incentives accompanying awareness campaigns;  Provide job opportunities through environmental projects;  Finance projects that provide soft loans for the poor In spite of the emphasis given to environmental issues in the PRS, the budget allocated by the GoY does not reflect the importance and significance of the needed environmental measures to be taken in support of poverty eradication. 3.6.4 Gender Policies Although Yemen's constitution declares equal rights and obligations for men and women, and it is illegal in Yemen to make any kind of discrimination on the basis of sex, the government's capacity to enforce such laws is weak. This is due to the inadequacy of the administrative apparatus, and also due to the cultural context in which women are not considered equal to men. This is well reflected in comparative world-wide statistics which shows Yemen to be amongst the worst nations in terms of Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -3-5 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) gender equality. The new laws introduced since Yemeni unification in 1990 provide women with more rights, yet without effective enforcement (virtually ineffective). In 1997 the government adopted the Yemeni Women's National Strategy. Among the institutions established to work on women issues is the Women National Committee. Its duties includes; cooperating with local, regional and international organizations involved in projects for women, conducting studies relating to women, contributing to women legal awareness and holding workshops and conferences. Its effectiveness is hampered due to (a) by lack of adequate funding; (b) absence of coordination at a national level; (c) unavailability of data disaggregated by gender; and (d) ambiguity of its goals. 3.7 Protected Areas Yemeni legislation also provides for protected areas, but none of those areas will be affected by the new highway project. This subject is covered in more detail in Chapter 4 (section 4.19) further below. 3.8 World Bank (WB) Safeguard Policies The World Bank has 10 operational safeguard policies for the development projects that are funded by the Bank. The purpose of these policies is to ensure that social and environmental risks are prevented or at least minimized while increasing socio- economic benefits of approved projects in addition to preserving the environment. These policies have been a means to increase the effectiveness and positive impacts of development projects and programs supported by the Bank. The Bank’s 10 safeguard policies are:  OP/BP 4.01 Environmental Assessment  OP/BP 4.04 Natural Habitats  OP/BP 4.09 Pest Management  OP/BP 4.10 Indigenous Peoples  OP/BP 4.11 Physical Cultural Resources  OP/BP 4.12 Involuntary Resettlement  OP/BP 4.36 Forests  OP/BP 4.37 Safety of Dams  OP/BP 7.50 Projects on International Waterways  OP/BP 7.60 Projects in Disputed Areas With respect to this project, three key policies are being triggered. These are Environmental Assessment (OP/BP 4.01), Involuntary Resettlement (OP/BP 4.12) and Physical Cultural Resources (OP/BP 4.11) 3.8.1 OP/BP 4.01 Environmental Assessment This policy is triggered if a project is likely to have significant adverse environmental impacts in its area of influence. For Category A projects, such as this project, a comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and the resultant Environmental and Social Management Plan are required, with emphasis on integrating environmental measures in project planning, design, implementation and Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -3-6 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) operation, in addition to ensuring the environmental soundness and sustainability of investment projects. The project’s ESIA and ESMP take into account the natural environment (air, water, and land); human health and safety; and social aspects (involuntary resettlement, physical cultural resources, etc.) in addition to trans boundary and global environmental aspects. The policy requires consultations with potentially affected persons and analysis of alternatives as key parts of the process and documentation. The OP 4.01 is applicable to all components of Bank financed projects. 3.8.2 OP/BP 4.12 Involuntary Resettlement This policy requires that adverse social impacts of projects it supports be mitigated, including when land or property is acquired or its use modified under a project so that Project-affected Persons (PAPs) suffer loss of income, residence, livelihoods or access to resources, either permanent or temporary, whether the land occupation/use is legal or illegal. Resettlement or relocation of PAPs adversely affected by project activities must be undertaken in accordance with laws, regulations and guidelines for Resettlement/Land Acquisition of Republic of Yemen Resettlement & Rehabilitation Policy and OP 4.12. If there is a gap between Republic of Yemen Resettlement & Rehabilitation Policy and the Bank’s OP 4.12 then the Bank’s provisions must apply. According to OP 4.12, the main objectives of this policy are:  Involuntary resettlement should be avoided where feasible, or minimized, exploring all viable alternative project designs.  Where it is not feasible to avoid resettlement, resettlement activities should be conceived and executed as sustainable development programs, providing sufficient investment resources to enable the persons displaced by the project to share in project benefits.  Displaced persons should be assisted in their efforts to improve their livelihoods and standards of living or at least to restore them, in real terms, to pre- displacement levels or to levels prevailing prior to the beginning of project implementation, whichever is higher. This policy covers direct economic and social impacts that both result from Banks assisted investment projects, and are caused by:  The Involuntary taking of land resulting in: o Relocation or loss of shelter o Loss of assets or access to assets; or o Loss of income sources or means of livelihood, whether or not the affected persons must move to another location; or  The involuntary restriction of access to legally designated parks and protected areas resulting in adverse impacts on the livelihoods of the displaced persons. Furthermore, the Bank requires that appropriate and accessible grievance mechanisms are established for project affected persons. A Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) for the project was prepared as a separate document. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -3-7 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 3.8.3 OP/BP 4.11 – Physical Cultural Resources The Policy triggered if there are physical cultural resources will be affected due to proposed development. In the present case there are cultural resources such as a graves and Mosques that will be affected due to the proposed Corridor Highway development. In addition, the large volume of civil works could potentially unearth chance-finds and potentially affect them adversely. Therefore OP 4.11 will be triggered. Procedures to deal with such instances in line with the Yemeni law and OP 4.11 will need to be integrated into the civil works contract documents, through the ESMP. 3.8.4 Mandatory Policies – BP 17.50 Bank Disclosure Policies This Bank Policy supports decision making process by the Borrower and Bank through allowing public access to information on environmental and social aspects of projects. Disclosure of key project documents, including Executive summaries in English and in the local language, is mandated:  In Country – prior to project appraisal in the local language and in English  In the World Bank Info Shop before project appraisal, in English with the Executive Summary in English and in the local language (documents can be in draft but must meet World Bank standards). 3.8.5 Other WB Guidelines Other useful guidelines and manuals that have been considered during the ESIA phase of the project include:  The World Bank Participation Source book  IFC Involuntary Resettlement Guide book  Safeguards Policy Basics – Red book  Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) General Guidelines of the World Bank Group  Roads and the Environment. A Handbook. World Bank Technical Paper 376.  Doing Better Business through Effective Public Consultation and Disclosure – A good Practice Manual, issued by IFC.  Handbook for Preparing a Resettlement Action Plan, issued by IFC. 3.9 Saudi Fund For Development The ESIA/ESMP and the RAP also cover the section of the Corridor Highway which is being funded by the Saudi Fund for Development (Noubat-Dokaim – Taiz, 85 km) under a separate project. The Government has agreed to apply World Bank safeguards policies also to that section. 3.10 Standards and Specifications for ESIA Study The Government of Yemen has adopted the standards and specification of World Health Organization for Air quality and Noise which are to be applied during construction and operation phase of any developmental activity. . However, there are local Yemeni standards for Water quality with the Ministry of Water and Environment. In general, the approach used for the selection of standards is as Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -3-8 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) follows: (i) Yemeni standards are to be used if and when those are available. (ii) Where Yemeni standards have not been established, suitable foreign standards are used. (iii) All standards need to comply with the World Bank Group’s EHS Guidelines. All the standards used are placed as Annexure-3.1 to 3.3. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -3-9 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 4 DESCRIPTION OF BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIO- ECONOMIC CONDITIONS 4.1 General This chapter describes the current environmental and socio-economic conditions in the project area. The information presented in this chapter provides a sound basis for monitoring and evaluation of the project. The baseline analysis presented in this chapter takes into account the following: i. Past trends in the environmental and social conditions; ii. Other current or proposed development programs undertaken in the project area. The environmental and social parameters considered in this chapter are: (i) land use, (ii) water, (iii) air and meteorological parameters, (iv) ecology, (v) noise and vibrations, (vi) various socio-economic parameters, and (vii) cultural and archaeological aspects. 4.2 Influence Area of the Project The corridor of direct project influence is considered to be the Right-of-way (RoW) of the proposed YCHP. Depending on the local topographic conditions, the RoW is between 50-70 meters wide. The area of influence also includes nine pre-identified borrow sites for road building materials (sand, stone, etc.) which are mostly located within the right-of-way of the road (cut areas), four stone quarry sites, and the sites to be used for depositing excess materials from the areas of cuts to be made in the terrain. It is also considered that a corridor of 500 meters on each side of the proposed alignment will be indirectly affected during the construction period of the project. Indirect environmental influence could affect nearby agricultural and grazing land, water bodies, forest land etc. although there is no declared forest land in the project area. The locations of future construction site and labour camps are also considered to be part of the area of influence of the project. However, the location of those will only be identified later by the civil works contractors. 4.3 Sources of Data for ESIA Study The data used for the preparation of ESIA report is reflected below: Primary data was collected during field surveys by the team of environmental and social specialists for the full length of the YCHP alignment. The project feasibility study and the final design reports were used to identify the precise location of the proposed alignment on the ground and of all major features existing along the alignment. Primary data was collected through observations, consultations and group discussions, interviews, inventory of assets/trees/crops and through household surveys. Also, the consultant carried out measurements of various environmental conditions (i.e. noise, air and pollution, etc.). Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-1 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Secondary data for the ESIA was collected from various existing published and unpublished reports, literature, documents as indicated below: Data Source The Geology of Yemen Geology and Mineral Resources of Yemen, 2001, Ministry of Oil and Mineral Resources, Republic of Yemen Weather www. weatherspark.com Feasibility study/final design Dorsch Consult report Environment Protection law of Republic of Yemen Yemen Information from Water and Republic of Yemen Environment Ministry Information from Environmental Republic of Yemen Protection Agency (EPA) offices in Aden and Lahj Governorates World Wildlife Fund Working Western Asia: Oman, Yemen, and Saudi Papers Arabia, Arabian Peninsula: Yemen and Saudi Arabia IUCN www.iucn.org Agricultural Handbook Republic of Yemen, 2012 Statistical Handbook Republic of Yemen, 2012 Geological maps Ministry of Geology and Mineral Resources, Republic of Yemen World Bank www.worldbank.org World Wildlife Funds www.wwfindia.org The consultant’s team consulted various Government offices in Sana’a, Taiz, Lahj and Aden in order to collect available information for the study. 4.4 Topography Yemen is located on the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by Saudi Arabia in North, by Oman in the East, and by the Red Sea in the West and the Bab-el- Mandeb, the strait that is connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Yemen has maritime borders with Djibouti, Eritrea, and Somalia. Its area is 527,970 sq. km. The Empty Quarter desert (Ar Rub' al Khali) in the north of Yemen is one of the largest sand deserts in the world, encompassing most of the southern third of the Arabian Peninsula. Ramlat al-Sab`atayn is a desert region in central Yemen. Ramlat Dahm is a desert region in North West, part of the "Empty Quarter". The Tihamah, a narrow semi-desert coastal plain along the Red Sea, is part of the Arabian Peninsula coastal fog desert ecoregion which stretches further along the southern coast of the country in a very narrow strip. The country's interior is dominated by mountains ranging from a few hundred meters up to the country’s highest point, Jabalan Nabi Shuayb (3,666 m; 12,028 ft.) near Sana'a, the country's capital. The mountains can be separated into the western highlands with relatively fertile soil and sufficient rainfall, and the central highland, a Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-2 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) picturesque area located between 2,000 and 3,200 meters of altitude, with rolling hills, small knolls, and some very prominent peaks. The central highlands are drier than the western highlands because of rain-shadow influences, but still receive sufficient rains during the wet season of the year so that extensive cropping is possible. The Mahra Mountains (Jabal Mahrat extends up to an elevation of 1300 m) are in the central and south–eastern part of the country through which the proposed highway alignment traverses. The geomorphological point of view, the alignment of the road corridor can be characterized into six zones as described in Table 4.1 4.5 Soils and Geology Yemen is covered with rocks whose ages date back to an era prior to the Cambrian era, about 3 billion years ago. Geologically, Yemen composes part of the Arabian Shield within the larger framework of the Arabian-Nubian Shield. The proposed highway corridor between Aden and Taiz runs along two geo-morphological units, namely the Yemeni Highland Geomorphologic Province and the Gulf of Aden Costal Plains. The Yemeni Highlands Geomorphologic Provinces are built up mainly of igneous rocks and lie between the Red Sea Graben on the West and the Arabian Desert on the East. Wadis are characterized by strong head ward erosion, which is highly diversified and dissects the mountains of this physiographic province. These wadis are mostly structurally controlled by faults and joint sets that are demonstrated by steep and deep cuts. The water flows with high velocity on a large suspended bed load following periods of rains. This is the additional main cause of continued erosion and incision of water drains. The Gulf of Aden Costal Plains are the areas of lowland bordering the sea on the south coast. They are composed of alluvial deposits of variable thickness and they receive runoff from adjoining mountainous areas. Tectonic events, especially during the Tertiary period (Cenozoic age) are the main agent controlling the physiographical properties along the project road alignment, causing eruption of high and steep mountains of extrusive rocks at the first part, wide and flat-bottomed grabens filled with relatively thick soil deposits along the second part, relatively rugged hilly gravel side divided by many steep-sided wide wadis along the third part, and flat to gently rolling and undulating areas crossed by many sand dunes along the last part. The Geological Map is shown in Figure 4.1. Table 4.1: Geomorphological Zone along project area: Taiz to Aden Zone Road section Characteristics Road corridor from Km 0.00 to Km 5.500 passes through open terrain, gently undulated and slightly rolling. This Km 0.00 to 1 zone is covered by relatively thick silty – sandy soil and is Km 5.500 characterized by relatively rich vegetation cover. It is divided into small farms and plantations. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-3 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Zone Road section Characteristics Road corridor from Km 5.500 to Km 24.500 passes through rugged hilly and mountainous areas built up from Km 5.500 to jointed and partly weathered massive basalt. Vegetation 2 Km 24.500 along this zone is rather poor and is limited to the valleys and lowland areas which are crossed by the road alignment at many locations. Road corridor from Km 24.500 to Km 39.200 passes through intensively vegetated narrow valley bounded by Km 24.500 to steep and high mountainous ranges composed of intrusive 3 Km 39.200 rocks. The valley is filled with relatively thick alluviums and agricultural soil. The road corridor hits the mountainous ridges at many locations. From Km 39.500 to Km 50.00 the road corridor passes through rugged hilly and mountainous areas which are locally rich with wild vegetative cover. The hills are Km 39.500 to 4 composed from cemented soil-rock mixtures, whereas Km 50.00 mountains are built up of intrusive rocks. Farms and plantations are scattered and are limited to graben sand valleys. The road corridor from Km 50.000 to Km 90.500 passes through partly rugged hilly areas which have rather poor Km 50.000 to vegetation cover. The hills are composed of cemented soil 5 Km 90.500 – rock mixtures. Some scattered basaltic outcrops were also observed. Some spots of rich vegetation were observed along with the wadis in this zone. From Km 90.500 of the road corridor to end of alignment Km 90.500 of at the sea coast at Km 140.000 the landscape is flat to the road gently undulating and is covered by wind-blown sand. corridor to 6 Vegetation along this stretch of the alignment is very poor end of and is composed of scarce scrubs. Some farms and alignment at plantations were observed few hundred meters to west of Km 140.000 the road corridor. To establish the soil quality of the project area, soil samples were collected in the month of January 2014 from different locations along the YCHP. The result of the soil quality analysis is given in Table 4.2. Table 4.2: Soil Monitoring Results Phosphorous Potassium Organic Total Organic Calcium Location/ Sulphate Sodium mg/L mg/L matter nitrogen carbon sulphate Chainage mg/l mg/l % % % Mg/100g 0+000 1.1 0.35 192 1.8 0.16 82.5 56.8 0.133 27+300 0.6 0.53 49.2 0.4 0.34 90.0 30.32 0.63 61+250 1.41 0.35 134.4 2 0.82 132.5 56.48 0.052 128+05 0.4 0.35 57 0.0 0.22 80.0 134.4 0.11 Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-4 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) *Source: Ministry of Oil and Mineral Resources, Republic of Yemen Figure 4.1: Geological Map of Yemen depicting the Road alignment Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-5 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 4.6 Climate and Meteorology The climate of Yemen is characterized as semi-arid, where rainfall is generally limited but with significant variations depending on the elevations. Temperatures are generally high, particularly in the coastal regions. The highlands enjoy a temperate, rainy summer with an average high temperature of 21 °C (69.8 °F) and a cool, moderately dry winter with temperatures occasionally dipping below 0 °C (32.0 °F) at some places. Some areas of the western highlands such as around Taiz receive about 1,000–1,500 millimetres (39.4–59.1 in) of rain each year. In Aden, the average temperature is 25 °C (77.0 °F) in the month of January and 32 °C (89.6 °F) in June with highs often exceeding 37 °C (98.6 °F). Average annual rainfall of Aden is 127 millimetres (5 in). The weather data used for the ESIA was collected from the weather monitoring stations located at Taiz International Airport and Aden International Airport. The historical weather data at both of these weather stations is considered to summarize the weather conditions within the project area. The historical meteorological information for these two weather stations was obtained from the “Weather Spark” website (http://weatherspark.com/). Taiz area has a hot desert climate and the area within 40 km of this station is covered by shrub lands (74%), grasslands (15%) and croplands (11%). Aden area has a hot desert climate and the area within 40 km of this station is covered by desert, ocean and the Aden metropolitan area. 4.7 Temperature The temperature data of the year 2013 for the project road section between Taiz and Aden is shown in Table 4.3. Table 4.3: Temperature data for Taiz and Aden Taiz Aden Temperature Day Avg. daily temp Day Avg. daily temp th th Hottest Day July 16 36°C May 26 38°C Hottest Month June 32°C June 36°C th th Coldest Day January 19 9°C March 10 19°C Coldest Month December 12°C December 23°C *Source: http://weatherspark.com 4.8 Humidity The summary of humidity data for Taiz and Aden for the year 2013 is summarized below. Taiz:  The least humid month was in June with an average daily low relative humidity level of 23%.  The most humid month was in August with an average daily low relative humidity level of 41%. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-6 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Aden:  The least humid month was June with an average daily relative humidity of 41%.  The most humid month was March with an average daily relative humidity of 60%. 4.9 Winds Data on wind speed and direction in the project has also been collected for Taiz International Airport and Aden International Airport. The Annual wind rose diagrams for 2013 were prepared to analyse the wind speed and direction in the project area. The Taiz wind rose diagram indicates predominant winds from south-eastern and western directions with the wind speed ranging from 4 to 16 knots. The Aden wind rose diagram shows predominant winds from the east and southeast directions with the wind speed ranging of 5 to 19 knots. The wind rose diagrams of Taiz and Aden are shown in Figure 4.2 and Figure 4.3 respectively. WIND ROSE PLOT: DISPLAY: Wind Speed COMMENTS: Taizz Windrose Diagaram Direction (blowing from) NORTH 20% DATA PERIOD: 16% Start Date: 1/1/2013 - 09:00 End Date: 12/31/2013 - 23:00 12% TOTAL COUNT: 6719 hrs. 8% AVG. WIND SPEED: 7.16 Knots 4% WEST EAST WIND SPEED (Knots) >= 20 17 - 19 14 - 16 11 - 13 8 - 10 5-7 4 3 SOUTH 2 Calms: 0.04% PROJECT NO.: WRPLOT View - Lakes Environmental Software Figure 4.2: Wind Rose Taiz Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-7 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) WIND ROSE PLOT: DISPLAY: Wind Speed COMMENTS: Aden Windrose Diagaram Direction (blowing from) NORTH 35% DATA PERIOD: 28% Start Date: 1/1/2013 - 00:00 End Date: 12/31/2013 - 23:00 21% TOTAL COUNT: 7722 hrs. 14% AVG. WIND SPEED: 9.80 Knots 7% WEST EAST WIND SPEED (Knots) >= 20 17 - 19 14 - 16 11 - 13 8 - 10 5-7 4 3 SOUTH 2 Calms: 0.35% PROJECT NO.: WRPLOT View - Lakes Environmental Software *Data Source: http://weatherspark.com, developed by VSPL Figure 4.3: Wind Rose Aden 4.10 Air Quality Air quality in most of the project area is dominated by natural factors, such as dust blown up by wind from the land areas not covered by vegetation. There are some small-scale industries near the planned highway alignment near Taiz (Al-Ganad). Plate 4.1 to 4.3 show examples such small-scale industries engaged in stone cutting and cement block manufacturing which are sources of some limited air pollution within the project area. As shown in Plate 4.4 there are also unpaved roads near the planned road alignment and traffic on those roads cause a significant amount of dust in those areas. Another source of existing air pollution is vehicle traffic emissions. While this type of air pollution is minimal in rural areas (mostly farm tractors operating on fields and local tracks), it is more significant especially in the Aden metropolitan area. Near Taiz, the planned alignment of the new highway is actually located about 10 km away from Taiz city and the urban air pollution does not directly affect the area of the planned road alignment. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-8 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Plate 4.1: Stone cutting Unit Plate 4.2: Industries in Al-Ganad area *Source: Preliminary Field Survey VSPL & YAEC Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-9 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Plate 4.3: Cement Block Manufacturing Unit Plate 4.4: Moving vehicles creating air pollution *Source: Preliminary Field Survey VSPL & YAEC Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-10 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Today, air pollution is not identified as a critical issue in the area of the planned road alignment since it is passing mostly through rural areas and villages without much traffic or polluting industrial or commercial activities. The ambient air quality standards as per Annexure No. 5 of Yemen by law 148 of the year 2000 are presented below. S. No. Parameters Maximum Limit Duration Sulphur dioxide (SO2) 250 One Hour 1. µg/ m3 150 24 Hour 60 One Year Nitrogen oxides (NOx) 400 One Hour 2. µg/ m3 150 24 Hour Carbon monoxide (CO) 20 One Hour 3. mg/m3 10 24 Hour Ozone (O3) 200 One Hour 4. µg/ m3 120 08 Hour Suspended Particulate Matter 150 24 Hour 5. as Black Smoke 60 One Year 3 µg/ m Particulate Matter (PM10) 70 24 Hour 6. 3 µg/ m 7. Lead (Pb) µg/ m3 1 One Year Monitoring of air environment is one of the key components to assess the environmental health of any project. Hence the Air Quality monitoring was carried out for this road project in order to establish the baseline for air quality. Six different monitoring locations were selected and the monitoring was carried out during the month of March 2014 at these six locations. The selection of monitoring locations was based on the correlation of chances for pollution level with proposed and existing design, existing traffic volume, land use pattern and the micrometeorology of the area. The details such as monitoring station code, chainage, Geographical coordinates and the distance from the proposed alignment are given in Table: 4.4. In this process, key pollution indices (air pollutants) like PM10 (g/m3), PM2.5 (g/m3), CO (g/m3), SO2 (g/m3), NOx (g/m3), and Ozone (g/m3), were measured for 24 hours at designated locations during the month of March 2014. Internationaly recognized methodology and techniques were used to carry out the monitoring and testing. Table 4.4: Air Quality Monitoring Station Details Monitoring Name of Distance from Sl. Geographical Area Station Chainage the the road No. Coordinates Category Code Location (approx. in m) 13 39 54.2N 1. AAQMS 1 0+000 Al Janad Rural 150 44 09 44.2 E 13 32.75.6N Rural cum 2. AAQMS 2 30+500 Al Danaba 100 44 23.33.5E Commercial Al 13 20 56.6N 3. AAQMS 3 72+720 Rural 120 Musmayar 44 40 46.4E Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-11 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Monitoring Name of Distance from Sl. Geographical Area Station Chainage the the road No. Coordinates Category Code Location (approx. in m) 13 17 29.2N 4. AAQMS 4 83+300 Al Anad Commercial 60 44 45 05.8E 13 00 33.2N Agricultural 5. AAQMS 5 127+000 Al Fayush 200 45 01 45.4E Area 12 54 41.9N Near Arabian 6. AAQMS 6 140+638 Al- Alam 200 45 04 48.6E Sea *Source: Preliminary Field Survey VSPL & YAEC Figure 4.4: Geographical position of different AAQMS with Project Road Table 4.5: Dates & Duration of Ambient Air Quality within study area Duration of Sl. No. AAQMS Date of Sampling Sampling 1. Site –I - th 14 15 March 2014 24 Hrs. 2. Site –I 15-16th March 2014 24 Hrs - th 3. Site-II 14 15 March 2014 24 Hrs 4. Site-II 15-16th March 2014 24 Hrs th 5. Site-III 17-18 March 2014 24 Hrs - th 6. Site-III 18 19 March 2014 24 Hrs 7. Site –IV 17-18th March 2014 24 Hrs - th 8. Site- IV 18 19 March 2014 24 Hrs 9. Site-V 19-20th March 2014 24 Hrs th 10. Site-V 20-21 March 2014 24 Hrs 11. Site-VI 19-20th March 2014 24 Hrs th 12. Site-VI 20-21 March 2014 24 Hrs rd 13. Site-VI 22-23 March 2014 24 Hrs 14. Site-V 22-23rd March 2014 24 Hrs th 15. Site- IV 23-24 March 2014 24 Hrs Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-12 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Duration of Sl. No. AAQMS Date of Sampling Sampling 16. Site-III 23-24th March 2014 24 Hrs The major portion of the project road is traversing through the open barren land, unpaved roads, which generally consist of weathered materials. Also, the entire gulf region predominantly the peninsular part of the region is subjected to sandstorms and dust storms, especially in the afternoon, which causes soil erosion and generation of huge dust. The entire process is directly related to the ambient temperature and pressure. Hence, during summer, these sandstorm/dust storms take place in the project area, which ultimately increase dust concentration in atmosphere. There are many stone cutting units, construction block construction units and brick manufacturing units in the project area which also add on the particulate concentration in the atmosphere. It is observed that large percentage of vehicles are old which are plying on roads without routine maintenance. Also due to shortage of power in the project area people use Diesel Generator (DG) sets to meet the requirement of electricity for their domestic and commercial requirements. The gaseous pollutants are generated mainly due to operation of DG sets and movement of the vehicles. The emissions generated through above said sources easily get dispersed in the day time. However during evening hours, ground level concentration of gaseous pollutants gets increased in the absence of sunlight. Further, during winter season slightly higher concentration of these gaseous pollutants is expected due to their lesser dispersion in the ambient environment as compared to summer season; which is prevailing weather condition along the major part of the project corridor. Table 4.6: Status of Ambient Air Quality within study area AAQMS AAQMS AAQMS AAQMS AAQMS AAQMS Parameters I II III IV V VI PM10 (in µg/ m3) 73.5 69.4 76.6 84.3 73.6 72.4 PM2.5 (in µg/m3) 34.2 36.8 39.6 46.8 35.8 33.6 SO2 (in µg/m3) 12.2 11.6 13.6 16.6 11.9 14.3 3 NOx (in µg/m ) 19.3 17.8 20.3 26.3 22.8 21.6 CO (in mg/m3) 3.59 3.75 3.43 3.83 3.59 3.90 3 O3 (in µg /m ) 22.8 24.6 25.1 28.6 21.3 31.4 *Source: Preliminary Field Survey VSPL & YAEC The results of ambient air quality monitoring shows that all the parameters are within the prescribed limits of WHO for interim target (refer Annexure 3.1). Except for particulate matter especially PM10 the concentration is higher than the prescribed limit of 70 µg/m3 which could be due to dusty environment and the traffic movement in the area. At monitoring site IV (AAQMS-IV) there is a road junction near the site and heavy volume of traffic movement is observed on the existing road which could be the reason for increase in PM10 concentration as compared to other sites. Whereas the gaseous air pollutants are well within the prescribed limits of WHO and Yemen byelaw. Pictures of Air Quality Monitoring being carried out at different locations are placed as Plate 4.5. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-13 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) AAQMS I AAQMS I AAQMS II AAQMS II AAQMS III AAQMS III Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-14 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) AAQMS IV AAQMS IV AAQMS V AAQMS V AAQMS VI AAQMS VI Plate 4.5: Pictures of Air-quality Monitoring 4.11 Noise Consultations with people in the area of influence of the project revealed that noise pollution is presently not considered an issue. The only significant sources of man- made noise are (i) operation of stationary motors to power pumps for drawing water from wells, and for grain mills, (ii) farm tractors used in the agriculture fields, and (iii) motorized vehicles travelling on the mostly unpaved local roads. Local people stated that noise is not a problem for them as it is momentary and during daytime only. Some sources of noise pollution are shown in Plate 4.6 and Plate 4.7. According to Annex No. 7 of the Yemen bylaw 148 of the year 2000, the following standards are applicable for the noise from road and transport infrastructure in country: i). As per Article 2(b): Sources of outside noise are: Transportation roads: include motor operated means of transport in towns, on highways and local roads, etc. ii). As per Article 6: In regard to the noise resulting from sounds explained in the items a, b, c, d of Article 2, limits are set for the noise that occurs during specific Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-15 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) times of the day and night in relation to working days and during holidays based on the following: A. Working days- daytime: after 7 am until 6 pm local time B. Working days -evening: after 6 pm until 11 pm local time C. During holidays and night: after 11 pm until 7 am local time iii). As per Article 8: The limit of noise from sources mentioned in item (b) of Article 2 related to period of time in each of a), b), and c) of Article 6 based on continuous sound pressure level equivalent to the adjustment A (dB(A)) is as shown in the table below: Equivalent Limits & Period of Time S. No. Type of Region Decibel (A) over the Period of Time A B C Rural areas houses, recreation and 1. 60 55 55 observation places 2. Dwelling areas in suburbs 65 60 55 3. Urban dwelling areas 65 60 55 Urban dwelling areas with 4. 65 60 55 workshops some and town centres 5. Industrial and commercial areas 70 65 60 There are some very limited activities in the project area which causes vibrations. People generally use rocks for construction of their houses or other small structures. Since all the rock breaking activities are carried out manually the resulting vibrations are extremely limited and not a relevant issue. Plate 4.6: Noise Source in project Area – Diesel powered water pump Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-16 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Plate 4.7: Tractor in agriculture field *Source: Preliminary Field Survey VSPL & YAEC Noise is an integral part of air pollution and its assessment prior to any development work becomes very important. In general, vehicular movement is main source of noise in project road and high speed winds also adds to increase in noise levels. However, physical environment and land use pattern plays a crucial role in transmission of noise from source to receptor. With the purpose of assessment of baseline for noise quality within project stretch, noise monitoring was carried out at six locations along the proposed road alignment. Monitoring of noise was carried out using hand held Sound Level Meter and the Noise levels were recorded at the regular interval of time for 24 hours in a day. The noise attributes like Leq (A), Lmax, Lday, LNight and LDN have been calculated for all the noise monitoring locations. The locations with details such as chainage, coordinates and distance from the proposed road are given below in Table 4.7. The noise monitoring results are given in Table 4.8 Table 4.7: Monitoring location details for project corridor Distance Name of from the Sl. Monitoring Geographical Area Chainage the road No. Station Code Coordinates Category Location (approx. in m) 13 39 54.2N 1. NM Site- I 0+000 Al Janad Rural 8 44 09 44.2 E 13 32.756N Rural cum 2. NM Site- II 30+500 Al Danaba 10 44 23.335E Commercial Al 13 20 56.6N 3. NM Site- III 72+720 Rural 8 Musmayar 44 40 46.4E 4. NM Site- IV 83+300 Al Anad 13 17 29.2N Commercial 9 Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-17 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 44 45 058E 13 00 33.2N Agricultural 5. NM Site- V 127+000 Al Fayush 10 45 01 45.4E Area 12 54 41.9N Near Arabian 6. NM Site- VI 140+638 Al- Alam 6 45 04 48.6E Sea Figure 4.5: Geographical position of Noise Monitoring locations Table 4.8: Noise Monitoring Results NM Site- NM Site- NM Site- NM Site- NM Site- NM Site- Parameter I II III IV V VI Leq 69.15 60.98 64.38 69.72 63.96 65.6 in dB (A) Lday in dB 70.28 59.71 64.76 69.75 64.69 66.96 (A) LNight in dB 66.19 62.52 63.66 69.76 62.36 61.48 (A) LDN in dB 73.5 68.6 70.3 76.1 69.2 69.2 (A) LMax in dB 79.1 74.3 78.2 81.2 72.3 79.8 (A) *Source: Preliminary Field Survey VSPL & YAEC The values observed are within the permissible limits of WHO guidelines for Industrial and Commercial Areas. However when compared with residential area standards of WHO guidelines the values are slightly on higher side (refer Annexure 3.2). The main source of noise pollution is movement of vehicles. Another source of noise is high speed wind movement which could also be the cause of high noise in the ambient conditions. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-18 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 4.12 Hydrology Groundwater in the region of the project site occurs within several major (regional) hydraulically interconnected aquifer systems. The depth of the groundwater in these aquifer systems varies from a few meters in the lowland areas to more than 90m in higher areas, as obtained from information collected on existing water wells. Due to unconformity of bedding and inter fingering of Quaternary soil formations with the underlying igneous rock formations, local perched water confined in water bearing lenses may also be found. Depth to groundwater in these local aquifers may vary from few meters to about 20m, as observed in many manually excavated wells. The highlands are characterized by relatively high rainfall but recharge to groundwater is frequently limited by low infiltration capacity of catchments. Low permeability and steep bare mountain slopes with little vegetation to retain moisture lead to high runoff coefficients in the wadis and much of this water leaves the area to recharge the major alluvial aquifers to west, south and east. Some runoff is absorbed by wadi alluviums and this forms an important groundwater resource locally. Seepage to underlying units is furthermore thought to provide an important route for recharge to the consolidated aquifers. One of the most important and most studied aquifers is that underlying the coastal catchments of Wadi Tuban and Wadi Bana to the east. The planned alignment of the highway runs through Wadi Tuban approximately from km 90 to km 125. 4.13 Surface Water Resources Surface water (rivers, perennial wadis, springs, etc.) is rather rare along the project corridor. Only two perennial wadis were observed during the field visits in December 2013. One of them is Wadi Warzan which is crossed by the planned highway alignment at several locations, approximately from km 60 to km 75. The water flow in this wadi is subjected to high fluctuation between wet (summer) and dry (winter) seasons. The other is Wadi Tuban through which, as mentioned above, the planned alignment of the highway runs approximately from km 90+000 to km 125+000 ( Plate 4.8 and 4.9). There are many other locations where the planned road would cross small seasonal water passes which are typically dry and only carry water for short periods during and after rains. The number of such water passes in each Governorate is given in Table 4.9. The list of these water resources is annexed in Annexure 4.1(a). The detailed engineering design includes about 500 culverts which allow water to cross the highway. Table 4.9: Small Surface Water Resources Sl. No. Description Taiz Lahj Aden Total 1 Water Cross/Pass/ 142 24 0 166 *Source: Preliminary Field Survey VSPL & YAEC & Data obtained from the MPWH Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-19 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Plate 4.8: Warzan Wadi Plate 4.9: Tuban Wadi in Lahj *Source: Preliminary Field Survey VSPL & YAEC 4.14 Access to Groundwater Resources There are large numbers of water wells in the area of influence of the planned highway. These are typically functioning with either motor pumps or manual pumps. The surveys showed that 22 wells (and 2 water pools) are likely to be directly affected by the planned highway construction. During the field visit along the alignment of the planned highway road corridor the observations on groundwater depth directly in the planned highway alignment were made. The variations in groundwater depth are as follows:  Near km 17: varies between 35m and 40m in several wells  Near km 23: depth is 14m in a manually dug water well  Between km 25 and km 37: varies between 45m  Near km 39.5: 15m in manually dug water well  Near km 42: 15m in manually dug water well  Near km 50: 35m in deep water well and 10m in a manually dug water well Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-20 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km)  Near km 89: 3m in manually dug water well  Near km 120: 30m in deep water well  Near km 130: 17m in deep water well Moreover, there are other small seasonal water passes which will be directly affected by the proposed road construction. Any issues arising with those are being addressed by the engineering design of the highway. The number of such seasonal water resources in each Governorate which are present within the land to be acquired for Highway development is given in Table 4.10. The list of affected water wells is listed in Annexure 4.1 (b) Table 4.10: Access to Ground Water Resources Sl. No. Type of Properties Taiz Lahj Aden Total 1 Wells 16 5 1 22 *Source: Preliminary Field Survey VSPL & YAEC & Data obtained from the MPWH Plate 4.10: Local people carrying water from well to village *Source: Preliminary Field Survey VSPL & YAEC Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-21 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Plate 4.11: Girls filling water in container for transport to village *Source: Preliminary Field Survey VSPL & YAEC The graphical presentation of water table in the entire project area is presented below: 4.15 Availability and Quality of Ground Water The availability of water is a vital issue in the project area. The collection of water from remote sources and their transportation to the locations of consumption (typically villages) is a major activity of the local people and especially of women and girls. Typically girls between 8 to 12 years old travel with donkeys to the nearest well often located at the foothills near their village which is located higher on the hills. The Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-22 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) girls fill empty water containers, load them on the donkeys and travel back to their house. A very significant part of groundwater and surface water in the project area is used for Qat cultivation (Plate 4.12 and 4.13). The increase in Qat cultivation during recent years is having a huge impact on the groundwater resources in the project area. As confirmed by the Governor of Taiz, groundwater resources are being depleted in many locations due extensive water usage for Qat irrigation. Plate 4.12: Qat Cultivation in Project Area Plate 4.13: Extraction of groundwater for Qat Irrigation *Source: Preliminary Field Survey VSPL & YAEC Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-23 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) As stated above, water is a scare resource in Yemen. Hence, water availability is an issue at least parts of the area of influence of the planned highway. Some of the villages do not have any water supply of their own and water is brought to those villages through small water pipelines that are provided through various Government programs. These pipelines are connected with nearby wells equipped with pumps. Consultations with local residents along the highway corridor revealed that the quality of ground water in the project region is generally considered as good. Since there are no industries or other sources of contamination, ground water is usually clean where it is available. However, bacteriological contamination in the ground water has been reported in some locations during the field survey. The current standards for water quality set by the Government of Yemen are presented in Table 4.11 below. Table 4.11: Water quality standards set by the Government of Yemen S. No. Parameters Unit Maximum Value Physical Characteristics 1. Colour 15 2. Turbidity, NTU 05 3. Temperature °C 25 4. pH Value 6.5-9.0 5. Conductivity (µmhos/cm) 2500 Chemical Characteristics 1. Total Dissolved Solids mg/l 1500 2. Total Hardness mg/l 500 3. Bicarbonate mg/l 500 4. Chloride mg/l 600 5. Sulphate mg/l 400 6. Calcium mg/l 200 7. Magnesium mg/l 30-150 8. Sodium mg/l 400 9. Potassium mg/l 12 10. Iron mg/l 01 11. Magnesium mg/l 0.2 12. Copper mg/l 0.1 13. Zinc mg/l 15 14. Aluminium mg/l 0.2 15. Nickel mg/l 0.02 Toxic Organic Pollutants 1. Parathion mg/l 0.0035 2. Endrin mg/l 0.0002 3. Lindane mg/l 0.004 4. Methoxychlor mg/l 0.01 5. Toxaphene mg/l 0.0002 6. Malathion mg/l 0.19 7. Dimethoate mg/l 0.0002 8. Diazinon mg/l 0.02 Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-24 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) S. No. Parameters Unit Maximum Value 9. Hexachlor Cylohexan mg/l 0.04 10. Acetic Acid mg/l 0.1 11. Propionic Acid mg/l 0.01 Toxicants 1. Lead mg/l 0.05 2. Selenium mg/l 0.01 3. Arsenic mg/l 0.01 4. Chromium mg/l 0.05 5. Cyanide mg/l 0.1 6. Cadmium mg/l 0.005 7. Mercury mg/l 0.001 8. Barium mg/l 0.5-1.0 9. Silver mg/l 0.01-0.1 10. Fluorine mg/l 1.5-0.5 11. Antimony mg/l 0.005 12. Barium mg/l 0.3-0.1 13. Total Trihalomethans µg 150 Chemical Pollutants 1. Nitrate mg/l 10-50 2. Ammonium mg/l 0.3-0.5 3. Nitrite mg/l 02 4. Phosphate mg/l 0.5 Radioactive Materials 1. Beta (β) emitters Becquerel (Bq) 0.1 2. Alpha (α) emitters Becquerel (Bq) 01 Microbiological Contaminants 1. Faecal Coliforms Cell/100 ml 10-15 The ground water quality was tested at some locations along the project corridor in the month of Jan 2014, along with the surface water found at Wadi Tuban and Wadi Aakan. The test results are shown in Table 4.12 and 4.13. It was found that the ground water quality of the project area is within the limits of Government-set water standards except for the concentration of potassium which is above the set standard. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-25 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Table 4.12: Ground Water Quality Yemeni Standard for Location Unit 0+000 19+250 27+000 31+000 61+250 128+050 Drinking Water Quality Temperature °C 19 19 19 19 19 18 25 pH 7 7.2 7.2 7 7.1 7.3 6.5-9.0 Turbidity NTU clear Clear clear clear clear clear 5 Electrical (µmhos/cm) 5940 2080 1160 1240 1830 5800 2500 Conductivity (EC) Colour Colourless Colourless Colourless Colourless Colourless Colourless 15 TSS mg\L Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Total Dissolved mg\L 5346 1872 1044 11116 1171.2 3712 1500 Solids (TDS) Odour Odourless Odourless Odourless Odourless Odourless Odourless Total Hardness mg/L 1304.8 976.178 450.546 450.546 300.239 1251.12 500 Potassium mg/L 104 100 100 100 80 40 12 Calcium mg/L 240.5 190.4 120.24 120.24 120.24 120.4 200 Magnesium mg/L 124.03 121.6 36.5 36.5 188.5 97.3 30-150 Ammonium mg/L 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.3-0.5 Chloride mg/L 873.3 366.7 78.1 71 1189.25 273.4 600 Sulphate mg/L 1400 280 30 60 980 220 400 Nitrate mg/L 26.21 89.5 31.5 26.6 14.6 8.42 50 Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-26 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Table 4.13: Surface Water Quality Location Unit Tuban wadi Aakan wadi Temperature °C 20 19 PH 7.8 7.9 Turbidity Clear Clear EC 2000 1830 Cooler Colour Colourless Colourless TSS mg/l Nil Nil TDS mg/l 1800 1647 Odour Has a mild odour Has a mild odour Hardness mg/l 650.881 520.604 Potassium mg/l 96 80 Calcium mg/l 100.2 90.18 Magnesium mg/l 97.3 71.74 Chloride mg/l 301.75 326.6 Sulphate mg/l 310 26 Nitrate mg/l 9.3 8.42 Dissolved Iron mg/l 0.07 0.07 4.16 Ecology of the Project Area 4.16.1 Flora of Project Area The flora in the entire project corridor is generally rather sparse and has been altered to various extents as a result of several types of pressure on the exiting natural habitats, primarily by agriculture, grazing and habitation. While there are trees, there is no closed forest cover or declared forest area on or near the project road alignment. The predominant over storey vegetation along the project road alignment is Acacia abyssinica, Acasia asak and Ziziphus leucodermis etc. In addition, Azadirachta indicia, Mangifera indica and Ficus spp. can also be observed in small patches in the area of Lahj and Aden Governorates, especially along some agricultural fields. The predominant understorey vegetation on and near the alignment of the project road are Calotropis procera, Euphorbia cactus, Opuntia ficus-indicus and Jatropha dhofarica etc. The common plant species observed along the project road alignment and information collected from available records is shown in Table 4.14. No species of threatened, rare or endangered categories of IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) Red Data Book have been observed along the project road corridor. Most of the Species observed along the project road corridor either falls under Least Concern (LC) or Not Evaluated (NE) categories of the Red Data Book of IUCN. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-27 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Table 4.14: Important Plant Species Observed during the Field Study Presence in Project World Local Botanical S.N. Family Governorates IUCN Name Name Taiz Lahj Aden Status TREES 1. Asak Acacia asak Leguminosae + + - NE Acacia 2. Harajraz Leguminosae - - + NE edgeworthii 3. Quarad Acacia etbaica Leguminosae + + - NE 4. Katat Acacia laeta Fabaceae - - + NE 5. Arafat Acacia nilotica Leguminosae + + + NE 6. Samar Acacia tortilis Leguminosae + + + NE Acokanthera 7. Athbir Apocynaceae - - + NE schimperi 8. Adelbert Azardica indica Meliaceae - + + NE Balanites 9. Ahliz Zygophyllaceae + + + NE aegyptiaca Buddleja 10. Afar Loganiceae + - - NE polystachya Capparis 11. Sadad Capparaceae - - + NE deciduas Commiphora 12. Mor Burseraceae - - + NE myrrha 13. Adad Delonix elata Fabaceae + + + NE Euphorbia 14. Kharath Euphorbiaceae - - + NE balsamifera Ficus 15. Sakam Moraceae + + + NE sycomorus 16. Taulak Ficus vasta Moraceae + + - NE Juniperus 17. Arar Cupressaceae + - - LC procera Lawsonia 18. Henna Lytheraceae - - + NE inermis Maerua 19. Sareh Capparaceae - - + NE crassifolia Mangifera 20. Mango Anacardiaceae + + + DD indica Moringa 21. Bann Moringaceae - - + NE peregrine Pandanus 22. Kaidi Pandanaceae - - + NE odoratissimus Phonex 23. Nakhla Arecaceae - + + NE dactylifera Psidium 24. Amrud Myrtaceae + + + NE guajava Salvadora 25. Suak Salvadoraceae + + + NE persica Tamarix 26. Athl Tamaricaceae - - + NE Arabica Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-28 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Presence in Project World Local Botanical S.N. Family Governorates IUCN Name Name Taiz Lahj Aden Status Ziziphus spina- 27. Alab Rhamnaceae + + + NE christii Zizyphus 28. Alab Rhamnaceae + + + NE leucodermis SHRUBS 1. Sabbar Agave spp. Agavaceae + + - LC Cadaba 2. Sarreh Capparaceae - - + NE longifolia Cadaba 3. Qathab Capparaceae - - + NE rotundifolia 4. Haumar Cadia purpurea Fabaceae + - - NE Calotropis 5. Ussar Asclepiadaceae + - + NE procera 6. Arom Carissa edulis Apocynaceae + - - NE Euphorbia 7. Surphat Euphorbiaceae - - + NE cuneata 8. Khadar Grewia tentax Tiliaceae + + + NE 9. Gabir Grewia villosa Tiliaceae + - - NE Jatropha 10. Bakha Euphorbiaceae - - + NE dhofarica Lantana 11. Umkultham Verbenaceae - - + NE camara 12. Ausaj Lycium shawii Solanaceae + + + NE Rhamnus 13. Zedb Rhamnaceae + + - NE staddo Rumex 14. Athrob Polygonaceae + + - NE nervosus 15. Tarim Teclea nobilis Rutaceae + + - NE GRASSES HERBS AND CLIMBERS Cissus 1. Halss Vitaceae + + + NE rotundifolia Euphorbia 2. Kharath Euphorbiaceae + + - NE cactus Leptadenia 3. Markh Asclepiadaceae - - + NE pyrotechnica Opuntia ficus- 4. Balas Turki Opuntiaceae + + - NE indicus 5. Sainam Saltia papposa Amaranthaceae - - + NE Suaeda 6. Swead Chenopodiaceae - - + NE monoica Typha 7. Ghasa Typhaceae - - + NE angustata “+ Present”, “–Absent” *Source: Preliminary Survey, VSPL& YAEC Key Words: NE (Not Evaluated), DD (Data Deficient), LC (Least Concern) Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-29 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Tamarix Arabica Phonex dactylifera Mangifera indica Ziziphus spina-christii Azardica indica Ficus vasta Acacia asak Acacia tortilis Plate 4.14: Over storey Vegetation (Trees) along the Project Corridor It has emerged from the field survey that the project will require a significant number of trees cuttings including Qat plants. Table 4.15 shows that as many as 21,025 trees Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-30 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) will be affected, out of which 2,146 trees are fruit bearing and the remaining 18,879 trees are non-fruit bearing. In addition, about 412,050 Qat plants will also be affected. Overall, a total of about 433,075 trees/plants will be required to be cut for the construction of proposed YCHP. Although Qat is a small plant, it is a major source of livelihood and households income of the people. Hence Qat plants are also considered for compensation and accordingly included in the compensation budget. The list of all affected trees/plants is given in Annexure 4.1(c). Table 4.15: List of Trees to be affected along the Project Road Corridor Sl. No. Trees Taiz Lahj Aden Total 1 Fruit bearing 926 1220 00 2146 2 Non-Fruit Bearing 11128 7751 00 18879 3 Qat 390037 22013 00 412050 Total 402091 30984 00 433075 *Source: Data obtained from MPWH &Analysed by VSPL Agave Spp. Calotropis procera Euphorbia cactus Opuntia ficus-indicus Plate 4.15: Under Storey Vegetation (Shrubs) along the Project Road Alignment Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-31 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) At places where soil conditions are not suitable for plant growth due the xerophytic condition or at places where soil is over-exploited, the land is completely denuded from vegetation except for wasteland species and weeds. This type of land basically comprises plant species such as: Calotropis procera, Euphorbia cactus, Agave Spp and Opuntia-ficus-indicus etc. 4.17 Agricultural Land The majority of the population along the project road alignment depends on agricultural activities. The principal agricultural crop observed along the project road alignment is Qat (Catha edulis), which is considered among one of the most profitable cash crops in the country. The highland section of the project road is further known for growing millet, sorghum and wheat crops, fruits such as grapes, nuts, apples and pomegranate, as well as pumpkins, tomatoes, onions, beans and potatoes as vegetables, and coffee as another cash crop. The coastal region of the project road has some limited cereal production and also some production of fruits like banana, papaya, dates, mango, guava, watermelon and vegetables like tomatoes and okra. The size of the agricultural land to be acquired for the project, for all types of crops, is approximately 161.00 hectares. 4.18 Fauna of Project Area Since vegetation is mostly scarce and full forest cover absent on and along the project highway corridor, there is also very little wildlife of significance. The largest wild mammals still widespread along the project road alignment are the Hamadryas Baboon (Papio hamadryas), though its numbers too are said to be diminishing. Among the smaller mammals are Rock Hyrax (Procavia capensis), Wild Cat (Felis silvestris), Hyena, Fox and Common Hare. The common avifaunal species found along the project road alignment includes House Crow (Corvus splendens), Yemen Linnet (Carduelis yemenensis), Yemen Thrush (Turdus menachensis), Griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) and Cattle Egret (Babulcus ibis). Some of the faunal species reported in the project highway corridor are listed in the Red Data Book of IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources). Although some of the avian species observed are under vulnerable category, no habitats of such species were observed in the project area. The fauna reported in project area is listed in Table 4.16. Table 4.16: Fauna in the project area English Name Zoological Name World IUCN Status MAMMALS Jackal Canis aureus LC Wild Cat Felis silvestris LC Common Mongoose Herpestres edwardsii NE Hyaena Hyaena hyaena NT Hamadryas Baboon Papio hamadryas LC Rock Hyrax Procavia capensis LC Fox Vulpes bengalensis LC REPTILES Puff Ader Bitis arietans NE Brown House Snakes Boaedon lineatus NE Viper Echis borkini LC Saudi Arabian sand boa Eryx jayakari LC Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-32 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) English Name Zoological Name World IUCN Status Arabian Blind Snake Myriopholis burii DD Yemen Blind Snake Myriopholis yemenicus DD Arabian Cobra Naja arabica LC BIRDS Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga VU Asian Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca VU Cattle Egret Babulcus ibis LC Greater Sand-Plover Charadrius leschenaultii LC House Crow Corvus splendens LC Crab-plover Dromas ardeola LC Western Reef-Heron Egretta gularis LC Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica LC Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia LC Black backed Gull Larus fuscus LC Sooty Gull Larus hemprichii LC Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia LC Swift Tern Thalasseus bergii LC *Source: World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) Key Words: VU (Vulnerable), NE (Not Evaluated), DD (Data Deficient), LC (Least Concern) 4.19 Protected Area According to the World Database on Protected Areas, in Yemen there is one National Park (Jabal-Bura valley forest national Park), two Marine National Parks (Zuqur islands, Ras Isa Marine Park) and five Nature Reserves. The Location of National Parks, Marine National park and reserves is provided in Table 4.17. Table 4.17: List of the Declared Protected Areas in Yemen Distance from the Protected Areas Latitude Longitude Project Road Bura Community Protected 14°53'10.77"N 43°22'46.02"E 153.79 km Area Detwah Lagoon Ramsar Site 12°42'16.80"N 53°30'4.26"E 907.29 km Dhamar Montane Plains 14°31'39.59"N 44°30'39.53"E 106.57 km Mahjur Traditional Reserve Di Hamari Protected Area 12°39'5.45"N 54°11'25.11"E 984.47 km Jabal-Bura valley forest 14°55'28.76"N 43°24'32.09"E 156.81 km National Park Ras Isa Marine Park 15°16'54.79"N 42°42'35.58"E 235.42 km Socotra Archipelago UNESCO-MAB Biosphere 12°37'5.02"N 54° 0'16.15"E 964.48 km Reserve Socotra Island Protected Area 12°35'48.65"N 53°56'52.55"E 958.66 km Zuqur islands Marine Park 13°44'32.20"N 42°45'5.54"E 145.84 km Aden Wetland Protected Areas 12°47'51.04"N 44°51'45.18"E 8.32 km *Source: World database on protected area Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-33 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) The proposed alignment for the proposed new Taiz- Aden highway section does not pass close to any of these designated protected areas. The Aden Wetland Protected Areas (Plate 4.16) are home to many birds such as Swift Tern (Sterna bergii); Sooty Gull (Larus hemprichii) and Black backed Gull (Larus fuscus) and other aquatic fauna and flora. The nearest lagoon of Aden Wetland Protected Areas is however located at a distance of about 8.32 km from the end point of the project road at Al-Alam in Aden and the project therefore is unlikely to affect it in any way. Plate 4.16: Aden Wetland Protected Sites 4.20 Demographic profile and baseline survey results A baseline socio-economic survey on a random basis of 25 percent of the surveyed households in the proposed highway corridor was carried out. This study included a list of questions for collecting baseline data on household structures, family members, poverty, gender dimensions, sex ratio, population, occupation and employment, literacy, health, education and access to basic services etc. This data helped substantially to assess the likely positive as well as negative impacts of the project in the day-to-day life of the affected people and communities and also establishes a baseline for the for monitoring and evaluation of the project. The following sub- sections describe demographic profile of the population in the project area and baseline survey results. 4.20.1 Population The total population of the three governorates through which the planned highway will run is nearly 4.2 million. The majority of population is in the governorate of Taiz (64.36%) followed by Lahj (19.49%) and Aden (16.15%). The population percentage of the project area governorates is presented in the following Table 4.18. Table 4.18: Population of Project Governorates Project Governorate Population Percentage Taiz 2727186 64.36 Lahj 825794 19.49 Aden 684322 16.15 Total 4237302 100 *Source: Statistical Year Book 2009. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-34 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 4.20.2 Male/Female Population and Sex Ratio Table 4.19 below presents the population composition by sex of the three governorates. Table 4.19: Male/Female Population Project Governorates Male Female Total Population Taiz 1305946 1421240 2727186 Lahj 411578 414216 825794 Aden 364552 319770 684322 Total 2082076 2155226 4237302 *Source: Statistical Year Book 2009. The analysis of the field survey reveals that 50.4% of the population is male and 49.6% is female. The male-female ratio is in favour of males, which seems to be a mirror image of the national figure. See Table 4.20 below. Table 4.20: Sex Ratio in project area Households Particulars Number Percentage Male 15974 50.4 Female 15721 49.6 Total 31695 100 * Source: Socio-Economic Survey, Dec 2013. 4.20.3 Distribution of Rural and Urban Population It has been revealed from the statistical data that all project governorates rural consists rural population more relatively to urban population. A detailed breakdown is provided in the following Table 4.21. Table 4.21: Distribution of Rural/Urban Population Project Governorate Urban Rural Total Taiz 610,722 2116464 2727186 Lahj 71,525 754269 825794 Aden 684,322 0 684322 Total 1,366,569 2870733 4237302 *Source: Statistical Year Book 2009. 4.20.4 Household Details of Project Governorates A detailed breakdown of households in the project area governorates in respect of rural/urban households is summarized in the following Table 4.22. Table 4.22: Urban/Rural Households Project Governorates Urban Households Rural Households Total Taiz 93042 325970 419012 Lahj 10643 109352 119994 Aden 105265 0 105265 Total 208950 435322 644271 *Source: Statistical Year Book 2009. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-35 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 4.20.5 Household Size The socio-economic baseline survey has revealed that the average family size along the project area is 8.2 members. However, the average size of the affected households is 11.8 members because there are several very big households among the affected. For instance, one household has 300 members, two households have over 200 members, and about another 10 households have over 100 members each. 4.20.6 Household’s family type The results of the households’ survey indicate that a majority of families are Joint (93%) followed by Nuclear (5.7%) and Extended (1.3%). The details of family type are summarized in Table 4.23. Table 4.23: Household’s by family type Households Family Type Number Percentage Joint 437 93 Nuclear 27 5.7 Extended 6 1.3 Households Interviewed 470 100 * Source: Socio-Economic Survey, Dec 2013. 4.20.7 Educational status of household members The literacy rate in the project area is 91.7 % and thus higher in comparison with the country average. The households which have members who completed primary, secondary and university level constitute 54.7%, 9.8%, 3.6% respectively, whereas 20.8% households are only literate. The findings of household’s survey are presented in Table 4.24. Table 4.24: Educational status of household’s members Households members Education Number Percentage Technical Education 153 2.8 University Level 201 3.6 Secondary 543 9.8 Primary 3033 54.7 Just literate 1156 20.8 Illiterate 460 8.3 Total 5546 100 Household Interviews (No.) 470 * Source: Socio-Economic Survey, Dec 2013. 4.20.8 Occupation of households members The baseline survey revealed that a majority of households’ members are engaged in agriculture (56.3%) followed by others (19.7% i.e. unemployed persons, aged family members, housewives and children), students (13.5%), labourer activities (2.7%), Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-36 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) business (2.6%), government service (1.6%), private service (1.4%). The details are presented in Table 4.25. Table 4.25: Occupation of household members Source of income Household members Percentage Agriculture 3122 56.3 Agriculture-related (Dairy, poultry, sheep, 67 1.2 goats, camel and cattle) Household Industry 21 0.4 Business 144 2.6 Tourism 11 0.2 Government Service 89 1.6 Private Service 78 1.4 Mining Related work 22 0.4 Wage Labourer 150 2.7 Students 749 13.5 Others (includes unemployed persons, aged 1093 19.7 family members, housewives and children) Total 5546 100 Households Interviewed 470 * Source: Socio-Economic Survey, Dec 2013. 4.20.9 Households Annual Income In the socio-economic survey, a majority of households (72.6%) have reported their annual income in range of US$ 500-600, followed by 9.4% households in the range US$ 600-800. A detailed breakdown is provided in Table 4.26. The results seem to be overall similar to other rural areas in Yemen. Table 4.26: Households Annual Income Households Annual Income (US$) Number Percentage 0-500 38 8.1 500-600 341 72.6 600-800 44 9.4 800-1000 23 4.9 1000-5000 12 2.6 1500-2000 8 1.6 Above than 2000 4 0.8 Total 470 100 * Source: Socio-Economic Survey, Dec 2013. 4.20.10 Possession of Durable Assets The baseline socio-economic household survey also collected data on the possession of durable assets since this to some degree reflects the living standard of people. The results are deemed to be similar to other areas of Yemen and are summarized in Table 4.27. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-37 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Table 4.27: Possession of durable assets Durable Assets Households Number Percentage Radio 7 1.5 Mobile Phone 423 87 Television 67 14.3 Oven 2 0.4 LPG Connection 86 18.3 Computer 3 0.6 Refrigerator 42 8.9 Washing Machine 6 1.3 Motor bike 18 3.8 Car 22 4.7 Households Interviewed 470 * Source: Socio-Economic Survey, Dec 2013. 4.20.11 Health Status The results of the baseline survey revealed that people along the project area are typically in reasonably good health and fitness. However, during the field survey some of them have reported to be affected, or have recently been affected, by diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, polio, hepatitis, mylasis and amoebiasis. All of them preferred to have treatment in allopathic hospitals rather than traditional and other types of treatment. The details of number of households affected by diseases and the %age are presented in Table 4.28. Table 4.28: Health Status along Project Area Type of Illness No. of Households Percentage Malaria 72 15.3 Dengue fever 28 6.0 Polio 3 0.6 Hepatitis 23 4.9 Mylasis 18 3.8 Amoebiasis 2 0.4 Households Interviewed 470 * Source: Socio-Economic Survey, Dec 2013. 4.20.12 Indebtedness None of the survey participants has reported their borrowings and indebtedness during socio-economic baseline survey. 4.20.13 Migration It was found that people in the project area are often migrating for employment to urban areas in Yemen to enhance their socio-economic status and for better quality of life. A relatively small number of people have migrated to other countries in the region to work there and send home remittances. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-38 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 4.20.14 Access to Community Infrastructure The baseline survey has revealed that similar to other rural areas of Yemen a significant proportion of households in the project area belong to lower income groups and are further disadvantaged by relatively poor access to community infrastructure such as Hospitals, Schools, Religious schools, Drinking water, Electricity, Landline phones, Supermarket, Police station, Banks, Chemist and Internet cafes. This is evident from the results presented in Table 4.29. Table 4.29: Access by households to community infrastructure along project area Good access Fair access Poor access Community No. of No. of No. of Infrastructure % % % HHs HHs HHs Clinics/Health unit 8 1.7 6 1.3 456 97.0 School 6 1.3 12 2.6 452 96.2 Religious school 22 4.7 30 6.4 418 88.9 Drinking water 2 0.4 5 1.1 463 98.5 Electricity 2 0.4 3 0.6 465 98.9 Grocery Store 4 0.9 6 1.3 460 97.9 Police station 34 7.2 42 8.9 394 83.8 Cash exchange 13 2.8 29 6.2 428 91.1 Drug shops 6 1.3 2 0.4 462 98.3 Internet café 1 0.2 1 0.2 468 99.6 Households Interviewed 470 * Source: Socio-Economic Survey, Dec 2013. 4.20.15 Women’s Participation The socio-economic status of women along the proposed highway corridor is generally low as evident from the socio-economic survey. Women’s participation in society is typically limited to their household work and they constitute only 4.7% of the work force for agriculture. Likewise, answer to questions about women’s decision making power revealed that women typically do not have a say in decisions related to financial matters, education of children, and health care, purchasing and other day-to- day activities. The findings of the women’s engagement in various economic, non- economic activities and decision making power are documented in the following Table 4.30. Table 4.30: Women’s Participation Households Activities Number Percentage Economic and non- economic activities Cultivation 22 4.7 Service 2 0.4 Trade and business 1 0.2 Household work 470 100 Relaxation and entertainment 14 3 Decision making Financial matters 6 1.3 Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-39 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Households Activities Number Percentage Education of child 3 0.6 Health care of child 8 1.7 Purchase of assets 2 0.4 Day to day activities 0 0.0 On social functions 14 3.0 Households Interviewed (No.) 470 * Source: Socio-Economic Survey, Dec 2013. 4.21 Road Safety Aspects Yemen has one of the poorest traffic safety records in the region with almost 6,500 reported deaths every year on the road network. Traffic police records show about 13,000 accidents with injuries each year, affecting about 17,000 people and their families6. The number of recorded fatal accidents7 is 990, 226 and 299 in Taiz, Lahj and Aden Governorates alone. Road traffic injuries rank among the top 10 causes of death in Yemen. Such high rates of road traffic injuries and fatalities, also characterized by the high share of pedestrian fatalities, disproportionally affect the economically active population in Yemen; hence, the economic and social consequences are significant. The key factors that contribute to the poor road safety records are: (i) poor road conditions and the lack of safety features in road design, (ii) unsafe driving behavior; and (iii) ineffective enforcement of traffic laws and regulations. Prevalent among drivers are speeding and the use of communication devices (cell phones), while seat belts and other safety measures are not widely used. The unstable political and governance environment has not been conducive to the measures which should normally be applied as part of a comprehensive road safety strategy, especially the non-physical measures. In practical terms, for the new Yemen Corridor Highway project the only viable and realistic measures are those related to an appropriate engineering design, which are expected to lead to safety improvements. In particular the separation of the highway into two carriageways divided by steel crash barriers is expected to produce measurable results, since the typical head-on collisions will be avoided. 4.22 Land Use The field surveys carried out along the planned new highway corridor included collecting information about the present use of the land which is to be acquired for the project. The detailed land use map of the entire highway corridor is presented as Annexure 4.2. The breakdown of existing land in different categories is given in Table 4.31 and the percentages of the land use types are shown in Figure 4.6. Overall, the data shows that the largest land use categories are “unused” with 486.38 hectares followed by “arid land” with 347.39 hectares, out of the total of 1,221 hectares of land to be acquired. The land used for any types of crops is approximately 177 hectares. 6 In Yemen, data on traffic injuries and fatalities are collected by the traffic police as part of a nationwide system (not gender-disaggregated). 7 Al-Horras Journal Serial No (221) issue April 2013 Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-40 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) More detailed information about the use of the land to be acquired for the project, including separately by Governorate, is provided in the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP). Table 4.31: Detailed breakdown of present use of the land to be acquired for the project Category Sum of Area in sq.m Sum of Area in Ha. Arid Areas 3473862.451 347.39 Cash Crop Land 410102.650 41.01 Crop Land 1474409.741 147.44 Other agricultural land 342986.383 34.30 Man Made Structures 94545.815 9.45 Parcels 433786.554 43.38 Sand 75392.446 7.54 Scattered Trees 77857.639 7.79 State roads 318921.725 31.89 Other streets 140016.297 14.00 Earth tracks 59866.636 5.99 Unknown Land use 184153.112 18.42 Unused Land 4863833.877 486.38 Water Shed 201144.914 20.11 Yard Area 59119.759 5.91 Grand Total 1,2248,000.000 1224.80 Figure 4.6: Area Statistics in %age of the Land Use by category Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-41 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 4.23 Planned Development Activities Consultations with Government authorities at the central and local levels revealed that there are no major planned development activities or planned infrastructure in the vicinity of the proposed highway alignment. Some small-scale local water distribution schemes are planned or are presently being implemented which will not be affected by the project. 4.24 Recreation There is no recreation facilities located along the proposed project corridor which could be affected by the project. 4.25 Cultural Properties There are 10 graves and 8 small village mosques which will be directly affected by the new project and which will need to be relocated. 4.26 Indigenous People There are no indigenous people groups defined in Yemen. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -4-42 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 5 PUBLIC CONSULTATION, COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION AND GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM 5.1 Public Consultations Process Extensive public consultations were carried out with various stakeholders at various locations throughout the length of the proposed highway corridor between Aden and Taiz. The main public consultations were undertaken with in groups which included government officials, PAPs, and community leaders (sheiks) in 13 villages. The location, date and time of the consultations were announced several days prior to the consultations. (Consultations with women groups were held separately in 10 villages - see section 5.3 further below). The locations, number of people that participated in these broad consultations and the consultation methods used are summarized in Table 5.1. Annexure 5.1 presents the lists of participants in those consultation meetings. In addition to these formal and announced consultations, there were also many informal consultations which were carried out in villages along the proposed alignment but which are not reflected in the table below. Table 5.1: Summary of consultation sessions Location Number Date of Methods Governorate Village Persons Meeting and group 12/24/2013 Taiz Al-Moaiteep 29 discussion Consultation and 12/24/2013 Taiz Al-Umrur 6 interview 12/24/2013 Taiz Al-Kharaz 12 Group discussion 12/19/2013 Taiz Al-Zawazer 11 Group discussion Consultation and 12/19/2013 Taiz Shaiq Mahrs 5 interview Consultation and 12/20/2013 Taiz Al-Adeol Asrar 8 interview Al-Hajar/Al- 12/21/2013 Taiz 11 Group discussion Sarar Meeting and group 12/22/2013 Taiz Al-Esab 15 discussion Meeting and group 12/22/2013 Taiz Thanbeh 16 discussion Shah Al- 12/22/2013 Taiz 12 Group discussion Khabsh 12/22/2013 Taiz Thabh 13 Group discussion 12/25/2013 Lahj Al-Duraja 10 Group discussion Consultation and 12/28/2013 Lahj Al-Mansara 8 interview * Source: Socio-Economic Survey, Dec 2013. The purpose of public participation and consultation study was to create awareness about the project and involve those persons in the study who are likely to be affected positively or negatively, and involve also other stakeholders by giving them opportunities to express their views and concerns about expected and perceived Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -5-1 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) impacts and about the most suitable ways for mitigating negative effects and enhancing positive project effects. The consultations intended to create a sense of commitment towards implementing the ESMP for the project. With due consideration of gender, consultations were carried out through various methods including individual interviews, consultation meetings, and informal and formal group discussions. The process of consultation was conducted as follows: 1. Meetings and consultations were held with people on the RoW or in close proximity of the highway along the entire alignment. The locations of the meetings and consultations were selected in line with local land use conditions and covered both scarcely populated areas, such as dominant in Lahj Governorate, and densely populated areas, such as in Taiz Governorate. They also spanned the various economic and social activities seen along the alignment. Representatives from the news media also attended these sessions. The groups identified during the survey and consultation process included:  People affected by land acquisition  People to be physically displaced  Government officials at governorate and district levels  Community leaders  Business owners, operators and workers in installations along the alignment of the planned expressway, including owners and employees of informal and unlicensed entities  Residents along the alignment of the highway including women  Farmers with land close to the planned highway alignment 2. At the start of the meetings and interviews an introduction to the project was conveyed to the subject. The introduction covered the following:  Background and rationale of the project  Expected works to be executed, including duration  Expected areas to be affected by works and land acquisition  Procedures of land acquisition and compensation standards  WB procedures and requirements, highlighting safeguards  Rights of people adversely affected by the Project  Objective of the interview, namely to discuss the needs and concerns of the affected people and comply with WB guidelines in planning and project execution.  Discussion of mitigation measures and of compensation to be provided to affected people. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -5-2 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) A list of participants is provided in Annexure 5.1 Plate 5.1: Social safeguards team discussing social issues with the Sheikh and PAPs representatives in Mawiya Plate 5.2: A view of people’s participation during census survey and public consultation along the proposed highway corridor Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -5-3 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Plate 5.3: Public Consultation at starting point at Al-Ganad (Taiz) Plate 5.4: Public Consultation Mawiya District (Taiz) Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -5-4 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 5.2 Issues raised and responses provided Numerous topics were covered in the broad consultations with villagers, project affected people, community leaders and Sheikhs In general, the information about the project was shared with the local people. However, most PAP’s already knew about the project as the feasibility study was prepared in the year 2005, when the consultant and government representatives carried out consultations with local people. Nevertheless, there were many questions asked by PAPs; these and the responses provided are reflected in Table 5.2. Table 5.2: Issues raised during consultations and responses provided Issues raised Responses provided People were informed that within the broader corridor alignment, several alternatives were studied taking Land acquisition minimization into consideration of social and environmental impacts, including the land acquisition. The option selected is with the least overall negative impacts. A resettlement action plan will be prepared in line Resettlement impacts with relevant Yemeni regulations and laws, and the mitigation measures World Bank Policy on Involuntary Resettlement OP 4.12. The exact location of underpasses will be discussed Underpasses at schools, with the design engineer. The final location will be madrasa, religious schools and selected by taking into account people’s concerns and hospitals needs, as much as technically viable. The locations of road side amenities and public Wayside amenities and public services (rest areas and service areas for future facilities including toilets and highway users) have been incorporated in the project drinking water design. Adequate road safety measures have been incorporated in the project design. If needed, Road safety measures additional road safety measures can be added during construction, taking into account local people’s concerns. The design includes pedestrian pathways for crossing the highway at populated locations. Local people’s Pedestrian pathways suggestions can still be incorporated in the project if technically feasible. Shifting of religious places at Once the need arises for any religious places to be appropriate locations with relocated, the relocated sites will be selected based on community consensus consultations with local communities. Compensation will be paid to the eligible PAPs and Resettlement assistance assistance will be given for relocation and livelihood package rehabilitation as set to be forth in the resettlement action plan. Compensation should be Compensation rate of lost assets will be determined computed at current market based on the prevailing market value in the project price of land and structures area by the Compensation Committee. Income and employment Contractors typically hire most unskilled workers generation schemes should be locally for construction activities and maintenance Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -5-5 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Issues raised Responses provided launched all along the project work. Other different options will be provided to influence area PAPs for income restoration, such as land-for-land compensation, cash for land, and combination of land and cash for land. These measures would help the PAPs to restore or enhance their income and livelihood. Special signage near schools, The signage near the prominent locations has been college and road turnings and incorporated in the road design. Additional signs can crossings be added as needed. PAPs’ suggestions would be incorporated in the Street lighting project design if technically feasible. PAPs’ suggestions would be incorporated in the project design if technically feasible. However, since Traffic signal lights this is a major highway without level intersections, traffic signal lights are not foreseen. During construction local Contractors typically give priority to local people people should be preferred for when hiring workers, both during construction and employment by the contractor operational phases. Most PAPs responded that they support the proposed People were asked if they highway since it will improve accessibility of the area support the proposed highway and facilitate reaching health and education facilities, or not. markets, etc. People have no problems, if the trees are removed from their land. However they want proper People were asked about the compensation for the tree which will be removed removal of trees. from their land. They are particularly concerned about the Qat trees compensation as large number of Qat trees will be affected due to Highway construction. People told that there are no industries in the project area, also there is no other source of pollution in the People were asked about the project area hence there is presently no problem of air air and noise pollution and noise pollution. It is however clear that traffic on problem in the project area. the new highway will cause noise and vehicle emissions, but this was not considered a serious problem by the large majority of people consulted. People stated that they are using mostly ground water People were asked about the for irrigation. However agriculture also depends upon facilities of irrigation available rain. People want Cross-Drainage (C-D) structures in the project area. along the entire alignment so that they may not face problem for irrigation after construction of road. People want water facilities should be enhanced along People were asked about the with the road. People stated that if they have water facilities which they want facility which will be readily and frequently available along the road. to them, then it will reduce their efforts of water collection. The local people stated that due to availability of road Relationship with there will be faster interaction with the people of neighbouring areas. other villages. Hence road will play role in relationship building. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -5-6 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 5.3 Consultations with women groups Consultations and discussions were also held separately with women groups in 10 villages, in line with local customs and traditions. These consultation meetings were organized to get wider public input from female project affected persons. Consultations with women were conducted with the objectives including: (i) identifying women specific issues in the project; (ii) securing participation of women in definition of mitigation measures; (iii) ascertain the views of the affected women groups with reference to land acquisition and project road alignment; (iv) understand views of the women on livelihood rehabilitation options; (v) obtain opinion of the women groups on issues related to the impacts on religious and community assets and relocation of the same; (vi) hear women’s opinion on problems and prospects of road related issues; and (vii) to establish an understanding by the women of the overall developmental objectives and benefits of the project. The consultation methods followed and the numbers of women participants are presented in Table 5.3 and the issues discussed are shown in Table 5.4. Plate 5.5: Women’s participation during consultations along proposed highway corridor Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -5-7 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Table 5.3: Summary of women consultation sessions Location Number of Date Methods Governorate Village participants 27/01/2013 Taiz Aljanad 12 Group discussion Consultation and 28/01/2013 Taiz Al-Hazm 7 interview 29/01/2013 Taiz Al-Zwaqr 9 Group discussion Consultation and 29/01/2013 Taiz Al- Muatiab 6 interview Consultation and 30/01/2013 Lahj Aqan 6 interview Consultation and 30/01/2013 Lahj Al-Srahinah 4 interview 01/02/2013 Lahj Gol -Mdrm 9 Group discussion Consultation and 01/02/2013 Lahj Dokim 4 interview 02/02/2013 Lahj Al-Anad 10 Group discussion Al-Shqa’a Consultation and 02/02/2013 Aden 4 (Bir-Nasir) interview Issues discussed with women during consultations and group discussions are summarised in Table 5.4 below. Table 5.4: Issues discussed by women groups and responses Issues raised Response Entitlement packages have been worked out Adequate compensation for the based on policy. Compensation will be made as loss of land and other assets per the entitlement of project affected persons. Support allowance and transitional assistance Assistance will be provided as per entitlement policy. Adequate drainage culverts should be provided for smooth flow of Culverts have been provided in the project road water on both sides of the project design. road Given that this is a main highway, speed Speed barriers and breakers along barriers are not foreseen, but pedestrian habitations areas crossings in the form of underpasses are planned as part of the design. The exact location of underpasses will be Underpasses/vehicular discussed with the design engineer. The final underpasses at schools, madrasa, location will be selected by taking into account religious schools and hospitals people’s concerns and needs, as much as technically viable. Religious structures will be protected to the Shifting of religious places at possible extent and once the need arises for any appropriate locations with religious place to be relocated, the sites for community consensus relocation will be selected through consultations with local communities. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -5-8 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Issues raised Response The locations of road side amenities and public Wayside amenities and public services (rest areas and service areas for future facilities including bus stops, highway users) have been incorporated in the toilets and drinking water project design. Adequate road safety measures have been Road safety, particularly day to incorporated in the project design. If needed, day activities (i.e. water collection additional road safety measures can be added and fetching, safety of school during construction, taking into account local going children) people’s concerns. Warning signage near educational The signage near the prominent locations has institutions including religious been incorporated in the road design. schools, hospitals and road Additional signs can be added as needed. turnings/crossings Compensatory afforestation will be made Cutting of trees along the proposed road should be minimized through MPWH. Local people will be employed in the construction activities as much as possible. Lack of employment opportunities Preference will be given for local women in for women PIU and contractors office (i.e. computer operators, stenographers, reception desks etc.) Separate toilet facility for the women staff Health and sanitation workers is mandatory in the PIU and contractors office. 5.4 Consultations with government officials Consultations were also carried out with government officials at different positions and locations. The government officials consulted and the topics covered are summarized in Table 5.5. Table 5.5: Summary of consultations with Government officials Name Position Issues discussed Project Director, MPWH,  Information dissemination to Mr. Abdul Jabbar Salem Sana’a make people aware of the Sr. Highway Engineer very objective of the project. Mr. Khaled MPWH Sana’a  Resettlement, land Mr. Shoke Ahmed Hail Governor, Taiz acquisition and income Mr. Mohammed restoration. Governor, Lahj Abdullah Al-Majidi  Affected villages falling Dpty. Manager, MPWH, within the proposed highway Mr. Aemn Asmail Lahj corridor. Mr Fars Ali Ahmad Engineer, MPWH, Lahj  Service lanes, and rest and Mr. Nasl-Al-Jabri GM, Lahj Governorate service areas, including Mr. Fiasal Al-Thalabi GM (EPA) Lahj underpasses. Mr. Abdul Samad General Manager  Wayside amenities and Mohammed Yahiya (Planning) NWRA, Taiz maintenance infrastructure Dr. Mohammad Ahmed University of Taiz including petrol station, toilet Asst. General Manager, facilities and drinking water. Eng. Sulyman A. Ahmed Taiz Municipal Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -5-9 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Name Position Issues discussed Development, Taiz  Social issues including loss Engineer in Ministry of of livelihood and Eng. Khalid Ali Water and Environment, compensation for affected Alshoga’a Taiz people. Mohammad Abdullah Assistant Manager Social  Relocation of the potential Murshid Development Fund, Taiz project displaced families and Manger Social households. Marwan Al- Maktari Development Fund, Taiz  Facilities for pedestrians and Officer Social non-motorized transport (e.g. Mrs. Ahsam Anwar Development Fund, Taiz donkey and camel carts). Mr. Faisal Mash-Al General Manager, MPWH  Highway safety measures. Taiz  Information on socio- Survey Engineer, MPWH economic and demographic Mr. Waheed Al-Sarari Taiz features of the project Survey Engineer, MPWH influence area and potential Engr. Nasir Al-Jabri Taiz PAPs.  Ongoing developmental schemes and programs in Road Supervisor, MPWH, project influence Engr. Sabri Al-Saleh Taiz Governorate.  Minimization of adverse social impacts. The photographs of some of these consultations are shown on Plate 5.6 to 5.9. Plate 5.6: Consultation with the Governor of Taiz Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -5-10 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Plate 5.7: Consultation with the Governor of Lahj Plate 5.8: Consultation with the Local Council in Taiz Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -5-11 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Plate 5.9: Local persons indicating their support to the project by raising their hands. Consultations were also carried out with various Government Officers at the central government level, such as at the Ministry of Water and Environment, Environmental Protection Authority, Ministry of Public Works and Highways, Social Development fund etc. The pictures of some of those consultations are shown in Plate 5.10 to 5.12. Plate 5.10: Consultation with the Officer of Social Development Fund in Taiz Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -5-12 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Plate 5.11: Consultation with Officers of Ministry of Water & Environment (Taiz) Plate 5.12: Consultation with the Officers of Environmental Protection Agency of Taiz and Aden. The project-related issues discussed with government officials are shown in Table 5.6. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -5-13 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Table 5.6: Issues Discussed with Government Officials and Their Response S. No Issues Raised Response Consultant asked about the There is no R&R policy in Yemen. The Resettlement and Rehabilitation compensation will be decided by the 1. (R&R) Policy of Yemen through Compensation Committee (CC) at each which compensation will be Governorate level. decided for affected persons. Consultant asked about the The technical committee decides the compensation of trees which will compensation for all fruit bearing trees and 2 be removed for Highway Qat trees. However there will be no construction. compensation for non-fruit bearing trees. Consultant asked about if any 3 permission is required for tree No permission is required for tree felling felling. The graves and Mosques will be shifted to The solution of religious some other location after consultation with properties like Graves and 4. local people. However compensation will Mosques coming within the be given for land and construction of these alignment. religious structures. The consultant asked about the All these water well will be shifted to some solution for the Water wells other locations with the consultation of 5. which will be affected due to local people. However cost for land and road construction. well construction will be compensated. Consultant asked about the Skilled and unskilled labour is available in 6. availability of local labour for the project area; hence local labour should construction. be given preference during selection. As far as quality of drinking water is concern, it is normally fit for drinking Consultant asked about the purposes, except at some locations where 7 quality of drinking water in the there is some level of bacteriological (total project area. coliforms and faecal coliforms) contamination. The air quality is not an issue in the project area as there are no major industries in the The quality of air in the project 8 project area except cement industry in Lahj area. and iron recycling industries in Lahj and Aden. The quality of noise in project The noise is also not an issue in the project 9. area. area. There are few sources of noise. The prevalent water borne and other diseases are Hepatitis; Bilharisia; Malaria; The prevalent water borne Dysentery; Enteritis; Typhoid; Measles; 10. diseases and other diseases in the Rabies; Polio; whooping cough and project area. Tuberculosis. Out of these Disease Malaria, Dysentery and Enteritis are most prevalent diseases. In order to maintain the existing irrigation facilities within the project area, there Irrigation facilities during 11. should be sufficient number of pipes on construction and operation stage. both side of the Highway so that there is no interruption in irrigation of agriculture land Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -5-14 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) S. No Issues Raised Response which is divided by the road construction. Also the natural water drainage should be maintained by providing sufficient cross drainage structures. There should be facilities of Mosques, The other facilities required along Hamam (Toilet), telephone, Police booths, 12 the Highway. Emergency Centers, and Ambulance along the proposed Highway. The water is available in Wadis (River), which can be used for construction. Also The source of water during 13 the rain water can be stored in small dams construction. along the road. The ground water also may be used if required. There are issue like desertification; soil The major environmental issues erosion by wind and water; overgrazing; 14 in the project area. aridification of land (increasing barren land due to less rain); and forest fires. 5.5 Strategy for Consultations during post-ESIA and project implementation phase Consultations will continue until into the implementation phase of the project, especially with the objective to redress any environmental and social issues likely to come up during construction and operational phases of the project. Regular communication processes shall established with the affected communities. Prior to and during the construction activities, the staff of the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) of MPWH staff will organize consultations in various locations along the project corridor, with participation of civil works contractors and the supervision consultants. These meetings will be the occasion to inform local people about the construction activities, traffic management plans, siting of labour and construction camps, locations of dumping sites for excess materials etc. and to invite their suggestions and hear their grievances. The Project Implementation Unit (PIU) at MPWH recognizes that facilitating the exchange of information and views between project entities and the affected persons and communities during the planning and implementation process will help to achieve smooth project implementation. In the project area, direct interaction between the project staff and affected communities is especially important, because the usefulness of dissemination of written and published information is sometimes limited. The project implementation process provides three primary means for such interaction: a) A field-based external monitoring process will occur twice in each year of implementation. The external monitoring process includes solicitation of information and views from affected persons (on a sample basis) and from local leaders regarding the effectiveness of the implementation of the Environmental and Social Management Plan. Affected persons may also bring implementation issues to the attention of project management through interaction with the external monitors. b) Affected persons may bring implementation issues or problems to management attention through the grievance management system. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -5-15 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) c) The PIU, in collaboration with governorate and district officials, will also take steps to directly consult with affected persons and communities during the project implementation process. Prior to the initiation of the land acquisition process, the PIU will conduct meetings within each affected village or settlement. This meeting is to inform residents again about the project and its proposed timetable for implementation, expected local impacts, compensation arrangements and rates, eligibility of affected persons for other forms of assistance, and the grievance redress mechanism, and to respond to concerns or preferences expressed by local residents. Within the first two years of project implementation, the PIU will meet again with affected persons in each affected village or settlement. In this meeting, the PIU will solicit views regarding the status of project implementation (especially with regard to resettlement-related activities), and will respond to issues or concerns raised by residents. For each meeting, the PIU will maintain a written summary of proceedings and issues raised, and the necessary follow-up actions that may have become necessary as a result. The Grievance redress mechanism is presented in the Resettlement Action Plan and the Grievance management system is described in detail in chapter on Institutional Arrangements. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -5-16 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 6 ANALYSIS OF PROJECT ALTERNATIVES 6.1 Definition of Highway Alignment Alternatives As part of the project feasibility study, several alternative corridors for the new highway between Taiz and Aden were defined, studied and compared. Following extensive field work in order to identify possible alignments that are technically feasible, Dorsch Consult focussed on the detailed investigation of three alternative corridors for the new highway, each with its own character:  The “Green Corridor” with a length of 143.6 km. This is a relatively short alignment located near to the axis of the existing road.  The “Yellow Corridor” with a length of 153.3 km. This corridor would maximise economic and social development along the alignment, by providing access to a large area which is now relatively isolated.  The “Blue Corridor” with a length of 135.3 km. This corridor would be a compromise solution between a short route and nevertheless facilitating improved development along the alignment by integrating some areas that are presently rather isolated. The alignments are shown in Figures 6.1 to 6.3 further below and can be roughly described by their interchanges:  Green Corridor: Taiz, NaqilIbil, Ad Dimnah, ArRahida, Nawbat Dukaym, Al Hutah, Aden  Yellow Corridor: Taiz, NaqilIbil, Ad Dimnah, ArRahida, NawbatDukaym, Al Hutah, Aden  Blue Corridor: Taiz, Mawiyah, Ad Durayjah, Musaymir, Aqan, NawbatDukaym, Al Hutah, Aden. These three alternative corridors were defined as technically possible and verified in the field. They were then evaluated based on various criteria, some of which are linked to each other:  Traffic and development impact – the aspects of providing access to areas, connection with the existing road network, overall development impact and journey times were evaluated.  Design – here the difficulty of design and construction, and the likely cost of construction and maintenance were evaluated, taking into account the volumes of earth movements, the percentage of flat/rolling/mountainous terrain, rise and fall, curvature, number and volume of structures needed, etc. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -6-1 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km)  Geology – here the availability of suitable road construction material in the area of the road was considered, the bearing capacity of subsoil, etc.  Hydrology – here the main considerations were the issues of catchment areas, water run-off, dimensions of required structures, number and difficulty of wadi crossings, etc.  Environment and Social – here the impacts on human settlements, agricultural land, natural environment, groundwater, cultural heritage etc. were considered.  Cost and initial economic feasibility evaluation – here the total likely cost of the alternatives were considered, mostly for construction and maintenance, and the economic feasibility using the typical quantifiable benefits such as savings in time and vehicle operating costs. 6.2 Criteria for Environmental And Social Evaluation Of Alternatives This sub-section describes the likely environmental and social impacts which were identified and taken into consideration during the evaluation of alternative corridors of the new highway. The evaluation included the biophysical, ecological, social and cultural environment. Taking into consideration the general environmental issues in Yemen and the particular environmental conditions in the project area, the main impacts that were evaluated for the various alternative corridors were impacts on:  settlement areas, social infrastructure and human health, caused by noise, by air pollution, and by traffic accidents;  land resources and agriculture, caused by loss or severance of land resources and agricultural soil, together with the social impact on the rural population (loss or reduction of their main source of income);  the natural environment, vegetation, forests and habitats, due to habitat degradation and loss of biodiversity;  groundwater resources and wadis, by pollution of sensitive aquifers or surface waters (such as by spillage accidents) or by a change of natural flow of surface waters;  cultural heritage, landscape resources and tourism potential, by loss or severance of traditional hillside terraces, of traditional architecture, or of landscape attractive to tourism and ecotourism. Besides the potential social and environmental threats, it was found that the new highway would also bring some environmental and social benefits. In particular, the diversion of an important share of the traffic on the existing road to the new highway will certainly reduce the noise impact, air pollution and the risk of accidents for people living along the on the existing Aden – Taiz road and also on some other roads in the area. The new road will also give easier access to locations that are attractive Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -6-2 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) for tourism, and may attract the foundation of new markets or facilities near highway exits, thus giving business and employment opportunities. For the three alternative route corridors, the potential social and environmental impacts were studied and compared. Given the scale of data sources available, and the yet rough alignment of alternative corridors at that stage of the project, a belt of 300 meters on both sides of the alignment was considered appropriate for the assessment. For each alternative, the impacts are listed in Tables 6.1 and 6.2 further below. Where applicable, the lateral extent (in km) or locations (at km) of individual impacts are noted. Tables 6.3 to 6.5 show the likely environmental and social impacts that were identified for the Green, Yellow and Blue alternatives. Regarding the productivity of aquifers (this feature is the starting point for comparing the risk of groundwater pollution) there are several highly productive aquifers in the wadis, in the coastal plain and in the cretaceous Tawilah Group. Moderately to poorly productive aquifers are the tertiary volcanic. A risk to groundwater pollution was taken into consideration wherever the corridor under study traverses highly productive aquifers. For all alternative route corridors studied, the main impacts on areas of environmental interest will be the loss and severance of agricultural land resources together with social impacts, and the risk for water resources. For comparison of alternative corridors, the main impacts of the different alternatives have been compiled in the table below. Table 6.1: Summary of likely impacts for the three alternative corridors Alternative Impacts Green Yellow Blue Settlement areas (km within 300 m corridor) 11 7 7 Schools (number within 300 m corridor) 9 6 33 Hospitals (number within 300 m corridor) 1 1 5 Intensively used agricultural areas (km) 20 14 7 Extensively used agricultural areas (km) 24 21 15 Natural environment, forests (km) 36 39 57 Groundwater resources (km) 89 71 73 Wadis (number) 5 7 8 Cultural heritage, tourism potential (km) 21 21 5 Length (km) 143,6 154,9 135,3 Area covered, land consumption (km²) 6,00 6,47 5,66 The Green alternative was found to have the strongest impacts on settlements and agricultural land, while the Yellow and Blue corridor alternatives were found to have less negative impacts. The same result was found concerning the impacts on groundwater resources the Yellow and the Blue alternatives would cause less impact than the Green alternative. 6.3 Result of Evaluation of Corridor Alternatives The result of the overall evaluation of the three potential corridors (Green, Yellow and Blue) showed that a fourth possible alternative composed of a combination of two of Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -6-3 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) the alternatives would compound their respective advantages and provide the best results - - this would be the combination of the Blue alternative for the northern part (to the North of Noubat Dokaim) and the Yellow alternative for the Southern part of the highway. This combination was denominated as the Purple corridor, which showed the most advantages and the best results. The eight interchanges on this Purple alternative are at: Taiz, Mawiyah, Ad Durayjah, Musaymir, Aqan, Noubat Dokaim, and Al Hutahand Aden. Based on the results of the multi criteria analysis, the Purple corridor alternative was then selected for the detailed engineering design and feasibility studies. To increase access of local populations to the new highway in the more populated areas, several additional access/exit points were added. The main advantages of the adopted Purple alternative are:  The Purple corridor connects well with the existing and planned road network, thus improving the accessibility of the most important towns in the wider area of influence of the highway, as well as the journey times between them.  Considering the likely social impacts, the Purple Corridor has a relatively low amount of land acquisition and resettlement, and the highest development prospects in terms of providing access to previously isolated areas. It is thus the alternative with the most positive social impacts.  The key advantage of the purple corridor is the very high likely positive impact on the development of a large area to the south-east of Taiz which is presently far away from the existing road network of Yemen and which will be integrated by the highway into the transportation network, and thus gain access to markets and social and administrative services for the population.  A further advantage is the improvement of long-distance journey times due to the shortcut from Aqan to the North.  The southern part of the corridor (to the South of Noubat Dokaim) is the only realistic route because of the widespread existence of landmines on the western side of the existing axis. This area was mined during the earlier civil war between the North and the South of Yemen. Clearing the landmines in this desert area would be very expensive. Given the availability of land to the east of the existing road, the expense of clearing the landmines would not be justified. 6.4 List of Baseline Information Material Used During Evaluation of Alternative Corridors During the evaluation of corridor alternatives, extensive use was made of numerous materials. The following maps or digital map data with environmental context were used:  KVR-1000 satellite images 1:10,000, Soviet form sputnik  Landsat 7 ETM+ satellite multispectral data 1:100,000, USGS/EDC  Topographical Maps of the Yemen Arabic Republic, Series YAR 50, 1:50,000 Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -6-4 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km)  Topographical Maps of the former People´s Democratic Republic of Yemen, 1:100,000  Vegetation Map of Yemen 1:500,000, EPC/DHV  Land use Map of Yemen 1:250,000, Sheet Sanaa  Soil Map of Saudi Arabia, 1:1 500,000  Geological Map of Yemen 1:1 000,000 and 1:250,000, 4 sheets (Robertson)  Hydrogeological Map of Yemen, 1: 1 000,000 and 1:250,000, 4 sheets (Robertson)  Geo-Environmental Map of Sanaa, 1:50,000, BGR & GSMRB 2003  Volcanic and Earthquake Hazard Maps, 1:1 000,000, Western sheet  Demography and administration statistical data, Central Statistical Organisation  Tourist Map of Yemen 1:1 5 000,000. The following environmental reports and literature, including map materials of environmental aspects were used:  AREA 2000: Agro-climate and production systems in Dhamar Governorate  British-Yemeni Society, R. Potter 1993: Birds of Yemen  DHV Consultants / EPC 1991: The vegetation of the Republic of Yemen (Western Part)  FAO 1996: Yemen Country report  FAO / AREA 1997: Environmental resource assessment for rural land use planning, field document 4b – Crop and farm budgets, land utilization aspects  FAO / AREA 1997: Environmental resource assessment for rural land use planning, field document 11 - Agro-climatic resources of Yemen  GSMRB 2000: Geological & geophysical data  Herzog, M. 2001 – Forests of Yemen  International Fund for Agricultural Development 2003: Tihama environment protection project. Interim evaluation report  UNDP / EPC 2000: Flora of Yemen. Sustainable Environmental Management Programme YEM/97/100, Draft Report  numerous additional materials (on wildlife, vegetation, forests, agriculture, climate, social issues) from literature and the world wide web. The following Yemen environmental legislation, guidelines, and EIA resources were used:  Republic of Yemen. Council of Ministers. Environmental Protection Council: Environmental protection Law No. (26) of 1995. English Translation of the original Arabic text  Republic of Yemen. Ministers Council. Environmental protection Council. National Environmental Action Plan, Sanaa, 1996  Republic of Yemen. Ministry of Tourism and Environment. Environment and sustainable development investment program 2003-2008  Republic of Yemen. Ministry of Agriculture and irrigation / FAO / UNCCD / UNDP. National action plan to combat desertification (draft 2000)  Environmental Protection Council 1996: Environmental Impact policy for the Republic of Yemen. EPC / 96 / 089, Euroconsult Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -6-5 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km)  Ministry of Tourism and Environment / EPA 2003: Work-shop on Environmental Impact Assessment for road network in Yemen, 14. April 2003, Sana’a, Yemen. Tihama Coastal Road (Hudayda – Mokha.)  METAP EIA Strengthening Project 2001: Evaluation of the EIA system in Yemen  UNEP EIA Training resource Manual, Case Study 2: Environmental assessment study of the Safir-Hadramout Road project. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -6-6 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Table 6.2: Areas of likely impacts identified during study of corridor alternatives Settlement and Natural environment, Cultural human health, vegetation, forests, heritage, Land resources, Ground-water resources, From/to social habitats, (habitat traditional agriculture (loss of land surface waters/ wadis (water km infrastructure degradation and loss of architecture, resources, social impact) pollution) (noise impact, air biodiversity); on soil landscape, pollution, hazard) (erosion) ecotourism Alternative (green) Trees, dwarf shrubs, 0 - 10 Settlement 3km Extensive agriculture 5km 5 km erosion risk km 5-10 Intensive agriculture 5km; Wadi at km 19; highly productive 10 - 20 Settlement 4km 5 km extensive agriculture 3km aquifer 0,4km Intensive agriculture 5km; Wadi at km 29; highly productive 20 - 30 Settlement 3km 2 km extensive agriculture 2km aquifer 1,6km Intensive agriculture 2km; Wadi at km 32/34 - 35/37; highly 30 - 40 7 km extensive agriculture 3km productive aquifer 2,8km Wadi at km 44; highly productive 40 - 50 Extensive agriculture 4km Erosion risk km 45-50 2 km aquifer 3,2km Wadi vegetation 4km; Wadi from km 50 - 57; highly 50 - 60 Extensive agriculture 4km erosion risk km 50 - 60 productive aquifer 4km Wadi vegetation 4km; Wadi from km 63 - 67/69 - 70; 60 - 70 erosion risk km 60 - 63 highly productive aquifer 7km Wadi from km 70 - 80; highly 70 - 80 Settlement 1km Wadi vegetation 10km productive aquifer 10km Wadi from km 86 - 87; highly 80 - 90 Wadi vegetation 1km productive aquifer 10km Wadi from km 90 - 92/at km 96; 90 - 100 Wadi vegetation 2km highly productive aquifer 5,4km 100 - 110 Intensive agriculture 4km Highly productive aquifer 10km 110 - 120 Intensive agriculture 4km Highly productive aquifer 10km 120 - 130 Highly productive aquifer 10km 130 - 143 Extensive agriculture 3km 8km Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -6-7 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Settlement and Natural environment, Cultural human health, vegetation, forests, heritage, Land resources, Ground-water resources, From/to social habitats, (habitat traditional agriculture (loss of land surface waters/ wadis (water km infrastructure degradation and loss of architecture, resources, social impact) pollution) (noise impact, air biodiversity); on soil landscape, pollution, hazard) (erosion) ecotourism Alternative (yellow) Intensive agriculture 5km; Typical terrace 0 - 10 Settlement 1km Erosion risk km 6 - 10 Wadi at km 6 extensive agriculture 2km fields 5km Intensive agriculture 5km; Wadi at km 20; highly productive 10 - 20 Settlement 4km Erosion risk km 10 - 12 5km extensive agriculture 3km aquifer 0,4km Intensive agriculture 1km; 20 - 30 Settlement 1km Wadi vegetation 1km Highly productive aquifer 1,3km 3km extensive agriculture 4km Intensive agriculture 3km; Wadi at km 31/33/35 - 37; highly 30 - 40 6km extensive agriculture 3km productive aquifer 1,6km Wadi at km 41/45; highly 40 - 50 Extensive agriculture 2km Erosion risk km 46 - 50 2km productive aquifer 2,6km Wadi vegetation 5km; Wadi from km 50 - 58; highly 50 - 60 Extensive agriculture 5km erosion risk km 50 - 60 productive aquifer 3,9km Wadi vegetation 4km; Wadi from km 64 - 68; highly 60 - 70 erosion risk km 60 - 64 productive aquifer 5,9km Wadi from km 70 - 80; highly 70 - 80 Wadi vegetation 10km productive aquifer 10km Wadi from km 87 - 88; highly 80 - 90 Settlement 1km Wadi vegetation 1km productive aquifer 10km Wadi from km 91 - 93; highly 90 - 100 Wadi vegetation 1km productive aquifer 3km 100 - 110 Wadi vegetation 2km 3,3km 110 - 120 Highly productive aquifer 3km 120 - 130 Highly productive aquifer 1km 130 - 140 Extensive agriculture 1km Highly productive aquifer 10km 140 - 154 Extensive agriculture 1km Highly productive aquifer 5,4km Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -6-8 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Settlement and Natural environment, Cultural human health, vegetation, forests, heritage, Land resources, Ground-water resources, From/to social habitats, (habitat traditional agriculture (loss of land surface waters/ wadis (water km infrastructure degradation and loss of architecture, resources, social impact) pollution) (noise impact, air biodiversity); on soil landscape, pollution, hazard) (erosion) ecotourism Alternative (blue) Typical terrace 0 - 10 Settlement 3km Intensive agriculture 7km fields 5km 10 - 20 Settlement 1km Extensive agriculture 3km Wadi vegetation 3km Wadi from km 10 - 13/14/16 - 18 Wadi vegetation 4km; 20 - 30 Extensive agriculture 4km Wadi from km 25 - 30 erosion risk km 23 - 30 30 - 40 Settlement 1km Extensive agriculture 4km Wadi vegetation 7km Wadi from km 30 - 34/38 - 40 Wadi vegetation 4km; Wadi at km 41/48 - 50; highly 40 - 50 Extensive agriculture 3km erosion risk km 41 - 50 productive aquifer 4,8km Wadi vegetation 1km; Wadi at km 52/55/60; highly 50 - 60 Extensive agriculture 1km erosion risk km 50 - productive aquifer 4,9km 51/55 - 60 Wadi vegetation 3km; Wadi at km 60 - 63; highly 60 - 70 Settlement 2km erosion risk km 60 - 64 productive aquifer 10km Wadi at km 72 - 73/74/77 - 80; 70 - 80 Wadi vegetation 4km highly productive aquifer 10km Wadi at km 84; highly productive 80 - 90 Wadi vegetation 2km aquifer 6,5km 90 - 100 Airport 1km Highly productive aquifer 10km Alluvial fans km 102 - 110; 100 - 110 Open woodland 8km highly productive aquifer 10km Alluvial fans km 110 - 118; 110 - 120 Open woodland 8km highly productive aquifer 10km 120 - 134 Extensive agriculture 3km Highly productive aquifer 6,8km *Source: Feasibility Report Amran-Aden Road, Section III, Taiz-Aden, DORSCH Consult, 2003 Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -6-9 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Figure 6.1: Schematic plan of Green, Yellow and Blue alignments * Source: Feasibility Report Amran-Aden Road, Section III, Taiz-Aden, DORSCH Consult, 2003 Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -6-10 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Table 6.3: Green Corridor – environmental and social baseline information From/to Length Natural Vegetation Land use, Climate Water, irrigation Soil Environmental Cultural Km Km geographic Agriculture Sensitivity & heritage, Unit problems Tourism Alternative b (green) 15 15 Medium Euphorbia  Most of the  Rainfall 400-800  More rainfall in  Volcanic,  Few trees remained altitude dwarf-shrub flatter and less mm higher altitudes schist, in the intensively Western land, WM1 rocky parts are  Air humidity limestone cultivated wadis Mountains cultivated moderate and  Euphorbia shrub (WM )  Slopes are  Temperature sandstone lands no longer dominated by range from 12 to rock useful for grazing succulents as a 35°c  Soil class: but protect the result of EHO, EHU, slopes from overgrazing and RCC erosion firewood cutting  Regeneration of  Little use for grasses and shrubs farming und der the protection of succulents is recommended 25 10 Highland Ziziphus open  Large areas  Rainfall 200-400  Rainfed  Larger plains:  Partly covered plains woodland without any mm agriculture and soils are with dense (1000- cultivation  Rainfall rather low using of run-off formed from shrubland 1800m), h1  Most of the trees  Because of lying from adjacent deposits of  Grazing intensity  Are important in the rain shadow slopes loess (fairly high for fodder of mountains productive)  But not out of production  Air humidity low  Soil class: balance  Temperature EHU, RUO  Increase of arable range from frost land in the future to 32 °c expected Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -6-11 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) From/to Length Natural Vegetation Land use, Climate Water, irrigation Soil Environmental Cultural Km Km geographic Agriculture Sensitivity & heritage, Unit problems Tourism 33 8 Medium Euphorbia  Most of the  Rainfall 400-800  More rainfall in  Volcanic,  Few trees remained altitude dwarf-shrub flatter and less mm higher altitudes schist, in the intensively Western land, WM1 rocky parts are  Air humidity limestone cultivated wadis Mountains cultivated moderate and  Euphorbia (WM )  Slopes are  Temperature sandstone shrublands no dominated by range from 12 to rock longer useful for succulents as a 35°c  Soil class: grazing but protect result of EHU, RCC the slopes from overgrazing and erosion firewood cutting  Regeneration of  Little use for grasses and shrubs farming und der the protection of succulents is recommended 35 2 Highland Ziziphus open  Large areas  Rainfall 200-400  Rainfed  Larger plains:  Partly covered plains woodland without any mm agriculture and soils are with dense (1000- cultivation  Rainfall rather using of run-off formed from shrubland 1800m), h1  Most of the low because of from adjacent deposits of  Grazing intensity trees are lying in the rain slopes loess (fairly high but not out of important for shadow of productive) balance fodder mountains  Soil class:  Increase of arable production  Air humidity low EHU land in the future  Temperature expected range from frost to 32 °c Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -6-12 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) From/to Length Natural Vegetation Land use, Climate Water, irrigation Soil Environmental Cultural Km Km geographic Agriculture Sensitivity & heritage, Unit problems Tourism 43 8 Medium Acacia  Area is major  Rainfall 400-800  more rainfall in  Volcanic,  Degradation due altitude asak- source of mm higher altitudes schist, to overcutting Western grewia firewood  Air humidity limestone  Protection of Mountains shrubland,  Livestock moderate and trees (WM ) WM2 grazing  Temperature sandstone recommended  Trees for range from 12 to rock animal fodder 35°c  Soil class: SP, RTT, RUO 108 65 Medium  Least  Rainfall 100-600  precipitation  Precamb. altitude populated mm varies Gneisses and Western areas in  Air humidity high considerably schists Mountains Yemen  Temperature (north) (WM )  Fuel collection range from 12 to  Granits and 35°c (south)  Grazing  Soil class: activities SP, RTT 143 35 Tihama Mainly  Most  Low rainfall 200  Receives water  Mountains  Agriculture coastal desert, partly woodland mm from the covered by depends on use of plain (t) salt bush cleared for  Air humidity very mountains silty, clayey groundwater lands agriculture high  Use of sediments  Management of  Scattered trees  Temperature groundwater  Gravel and water resources left range from 18 to for irrigation sand in wadi necessary  Green and 45 °c beds productive part of Yemen  Valuable agricultural land Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -6-13 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) *Source: Feasibility Report Amran-Aden Road, Section III, Taiz-Aden, DORSCH Consult, 2003 Table 6.4: Yellow Corridor – environmental and social baseline information Natural Environmental Cultural from/to length Land use, Water, geographic Vegetation Climate Soil sensitivity & heritage, km km agriculture irrigation unit problems tourism Alternative (Yellow) 2 2 Highland Ziziphus  large areas without  rainfall 200-400  rainfed  larger  partly covered market/souk Plains Open any cultivation mm agriculture plains: with dense at Al Woodland  most of the trees  rainfall rather low and using soils are shrubland Qa'idah (1000- are important for because of lying of run-off formed  grazing intensity 1800m), H1 fodder production in the rain shadow from from high but not out of of mountains adjacent deposits of balance  air humidity low slopes loess  increase of arable  temperature frost- (fairly land in the future 32 °C productive) expected  soil class: EHU, RCC 15 13 Medium Euphorbia  most of the flatter  rainfall 400-800  more  volcanic,  few trees Altitude Dwarf- and less rocky mm rainfall in schist, remained in the Western Shrub Land parts are cultivated  air humidity higher limestone intensively Mountains (WM1)  slopes are moderate altitudes and cultivated wadis (WM ) dominated by  temperature sandstone  Euphorbia succulents as a  range from 12 to rock shrublands no result of 35°C  soil class: longer useful for overgrazing and EUO, EHU grazing but firewood cutting protect the slopes  little use for from erosion farming  regeneration of grasses and shrubs und der the protection of Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -6-14 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Natural Environmental Cultural from/to length Land use, Water, geographic Vegetation Climate Soil sensitivity & heritage, km km agriculture irrigation unit problems tourism succulents is recommended 23 8 Highland Ziziphus  large areas without  rainfall 200-400  rainfed  larger  partly covered Plains Open any cultivation mm agriculture plains: with dense Woodland  most of the trees  rainfall rather low and using soils are shrubland (1000- are important for because of lying of run-off formed  grazing intensity 1800m), H1 fodder production in the rain shadow from from high but not out of of mountains adjacent deposits of balance  air humidity low slopes loess  increase of arable  temperature range (fairly land in the future from frost to 32 productive) expected °C  soil class: RUO, EHU 44 21 Medium Acacia  area is major  rainfall 400-800  more  volcanic,  degradation due to Altitude Asak- source of firewood mm rainfall in schist, overcutting Western Grewia  livestock grazing  air humidity higher limestone  protection of trees Mountains Shrubland,  trees for animal  moderate altitudes and  recommended (WM ) WM2 fodder  temperature range sandstone from 12 to 35°C rock  soil class: RTT, RUO 105 61 Medium  least populated  rainfall 100-600   Precamb Altitude areas in Yemen mm precipitatio gneisses Western  fuel collection and  air humidity high n varies and schists Mountains  grazing activities  temperature range considerab (north) (WM ) from 12 to 35°C ly  granits  (south)  soil class: Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -6-15 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Natural Environmental Cultural from/to length Land use, Water, geographic Vegetation Climate Soil sensitivity & heritage, km km agriculture irrigation unit problems tourism SP, RTT 153 48 Tihama mainly  most woodland  low rainfall 200  receives  mountains  agriculture Coastal desert, cleared for mm water from covered by depends on use of Plain (T) partly salt agriculture  air humidity very the silty, groundwater bush lands  scattered trees left high mountains clayey  management of on the fields  temperature  use of sediments water resources  green and  range from 18 to groundwat  gravel and necessary productive part of 45°C er for sand in Yemen irrigation wadi beds  valuable  soil class: agricultural land SP 5 5 Highland Ziziphus  large areas without  rainfall 200-400  rainfed  larger  partly covered Plains Open any cultivation mm agriculture plains: with dense Woodland  most of the trees  rainfall rather low and using soils are shrubland (1000- are important for because of lying of run-off formed  grazing intensity 1800m), H1 fodder production in the rain shadow from from high but not out of of mountains adjacent deposits of balance  air humidity low slopes loess  increase of arable  temperature range (fairly land from frost to 32 productive)  in the future °C  soil class: expected EHU *Source: Feasibility Report Amran-Aden Road, Section III, Taiz-Aden, DORSCH Consult, 2003 Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -6-16 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Table 6.5: Blue Corridor – environmental and social baseline information Natural Environmental Cultural from/to length Land use, geographic Vegetation Climate Water, irrigation Soil sensitivity & heritage, km km agriculture unit problems tourism Alternative (Blue) 25 20 Medium Euphorbia  most of the  rainfall 400-  more rainfall in  volcanic,  few trees market/souk Altitude Dwarf- flatter and less 800 mm higher altitudes schist, remained in the at Al Western Shrub Land, rocky parts are  air humidity limestone and intensively Qa'idah Mountains WM1 cultivated moderate sandstone rock cultivated wadis (WM )  slopes are  temperature  soil class:  Euphorbia dominated by range from 12 EUR, EHU shrublands no succulents as a to 35 °C longer useful for result of grazing but overgrazing protect the and firewood slopes from cutting erosion  little use for  regeneration of farming grasses  and shrubs und der the protection of succulents is recommended 33 8 Medium Acacia  area is major  rainfall 400-  more rainfall  volcanic,  degradation market/souk Altitude asak- source of 800 mm in higher schist, due to at Jabal Western Grewia firewood  air humidity altitudes limestone and overcutting Ama'imah Mountains Shrubland,  livestock moderate sandstone rock  protection of (WM ) WM2 grazing  temperature  soil class: trees  trees for range from 12  RTT, EUR recommended animal fodder to 35 °C Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -6-17 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Natural Environmental Cultural from/to length Land use, geographic Vegetation Climate Water, irrigation Soil sensitivity & heritage, km km agriculture unit problems tourism 95 62 Medium  least  rainfall 100-  precipitation  precamb market/souk Altitude populated 600 mm varies gneisses and at Jabal Western areas in  air humidity considerably schists (north) Ama'imah Mountains Yemen high  granits and Al (WM )  fuel collection  temperature  (south) Musaymir and range from 12  soil class: SP,  grazing to 35 °C RTT activities 135 40 Tihama mainly  most  low rainfall  receives water  mountains  agriculture Coastal desert, woodland 200 mm from the covered by depends on use Plain (T) partly salt cleared for  air humidity mountains silty, clayey of groundwater bush lands agriculture very high  use of sediments  management of  scattered trees  temperature groundwater  gravel and sand water resources left on the range from 18 for irrigation in wadi beds necessary fields to 45 °C  soil class: SP  productive part of  Yemen  valuable agricultural land Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -6-18 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Figure 6.2: Location of Blue, Green, Yellow and Purple alignments between Taiz and Noubat Dokaim *Source: Feasibility Report Amran-Aden Road, Section III, Taiz-Aden, DORSCH Consult, 2003 Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -6-19 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Figure 6.3: Location of Blue, Green, Yellow and Purple alignments between Noubat Dokaim and Aden *Source: Feasibility Report Amran-Aden Road, Section III, Taiz-Aden, DORSCH Consult, 2003 Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -6-20 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 7 POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS 7.1 Introduction This chapter identifies the potential impacts of the project that are likely to occur, before and during construction, and during the operational/maintenance phase. The project activities (construction of a new highway between Aden and Taiz) are analysed for their potential impacts on environmental resources and socio-economic issues. The magnitude and significance of the expected impacts are also analyzed. The impacts are classified as direct or indirect, reversible or irreversible, immediate or long-term. The chapter also identifies the mitigation measures which are designed to help reducing the magnitude of adverse impacts and to keep them at acceptable levels, thereby combining the goal of long term sustainable development of a region with sound environmental and social considerations. The analysis identifies mitigation measures that are feasible and reasonable in the specific Yemeni context, that are cost-effective and that can be included in the Environmental and Social Management Plan. For the implementation of the mitigation of the social impacts, a separate Resettlement Action Plan has been prepared which is based on the social impact analysis presented in this ESIA. The impact assessment and mitigation measures are analyzed for :  Construction and pre-construction stage  Operational / Maintenance stage 7.2 Environmental Impacts The environmental impact assessment is divided in two areas, namely (i) impacts of the physical environment and (ii) impacts on the ecology (flora and fauna). The impacts on the physical environment cover the direct and local impacts of the highway construction and operation, such as noise, water pollution, habitat destruction/disturbance, local air quality, landscape, soil contamination, etc. The ecological impacts cover the effects of the construction of the highway on flora and fauna. The wider impacts ecological effects of the new highway may include long-term climate change from vehicle emissions, which is however not covered in this assessment due to the absence of a sound and commonly accepted methodology for forecasting such climate change. 7.3 Impacts on Physical Environment 7.3.1 Micro Climate The climate of the project area is of the semi-arid type. Though no change in the macro-climatic setting (precipitation, temperature and wind) is envisaged due to the project, the microclimate in the immediate area of the new highway is likely to be affected. During the construction stage there will be temporary heat output wherever heavy machinery is operated, including earthmoving equipment and asphalt plants. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-1 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) This is however not expected to lead to any significant change in the climatic condition of the project area. During the operation of the highway, local temperature condition will be slightly modified due to the replacement of vegetation and natural soil/sand by asphalt pavement surface. There will be an increase in daytime temperature on the newly constructed road surface and on the nearby soil due to the loss of some shade trees, which in turn might lead to formation of heat islands. In addition, the removal of trees / vegetation will increase the amount of direct sunlight, resulting in higher temperatures along the Highway. Overall, these effects are limited to the immediate area of the highway and are not expected to cause any significant change in the micro climate of the area of influence of the highway. Mitigation Measures: Roadside vegetation including trees will be planted in those areas where sufficient water is available and where roadside plants can grow. It was observed during the field visits that this will be the case in some parts of Taiz Governorate, especially in higher elevations. It is expected that the planted roadside vegetation will help mitigating some of the impact in the area adjacent to the road. 7.3.2 Air Quality The air quality along the proposed highway corridor will be affected due to significant change in land use pattern of the area. The direct influence area will be impacted by air pollution during construction and operation stages due to generation of dust and exhaust gases. During the construction stage, negative impacts on air quality will be temporary and will affect the health of construction workers and the residents in the settlements adjacent to the ROW, especially those in the downwind direction. During the operation phase, air pollution will be caused mostly by exhaust gases from moving traffic but also by road maintenace activities, although to a much smaller extent. This will affect local residents in the close proximity of the highway on a long-term basis for as long as there is traffic on the new highway. However, since the new road alignment was defined to avoid proximity to settlements as much as possible, there are relatively few sensitive receptors close to the road alignment or within direct impact area. 7.3.3 Dust The presence of dust is expected to have a negative temporary impact especially on the health of road construction workers. Dust is likely to have a more serious impact than exhaust gases during the construction stage due to the large volumes of excavation and earth moving with heavy equipment in mostly dry conditions. Other dust generating construction activities include stone crushing operations, handling and storage of sand and aggregates in the asphalt plants, concrete mixing plants and asphalt hotmix plants due to the movement of aggregates. The impacts of dust will mostly be concentrated on the construction sites and stone crushing sites. The impact of dust will spread downwind of the site for a considerable distance of up to 1000 m on windy days. During the operation stage, dust will not be generated since the vehicles move on paved surfaces only. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-2 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Dust mitigation measures:  Water will be sprinkled regularly twice a day on haulage roads on the construction site.  Stone crushers, asphalt plants and concrete mix pant will be located at least 1 km away from populated areas and human settlements, and downwind of those based on the prevailing wind direction.  Water will be sprinkled on the lime/cement/asphalt mixing sites and their access roads.  To avoid dust emissions from moving trucks, the loaded trucks will be covered when operating near populated areas/villages.  The Environmental Management Plan will ensure that adequate measures are taken especially for health and safety of workers such as providing them with breathing masks during work. 7.3.4 Vehicle Emissions During the construction stage, the generation of exhaust gases will occur due to the operation of various types of heavy machinery with internal combustion engines, mostly for earth movement and for laying of pavement. This impact is envisaged to be significant, but temporary during the construction stage only. Pollutants like SO2, HC and NOx are likely to be generated from the operations of such machinery. In addition, toxic gases will be released during the operation of the asphalt mixing plant, due to the heating of bitumen. Although the impact is normaly restricted to the working area and its vicinity, exhaust gases can spread downwind. During the operation/maintenance stage, moving motor vehicles will produce exhaust emissions and thus create air pollution. The HDM4 model has been used to predict the volumes of annual emission quantities of Hydrocarbons (HC); Carbon Monoixde (CO); Nitrogen Oxide (NOx); Sulphur Dioxide (SO2); Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Particulate Matter and Lead. The HDM4 model uses input data on projected traffic levels, rise and fall of the road, the composition of traffic, fuel quality and average traffic speed. The HDM4 analysis compares the “without project” scenario under which traffic will continue to flow on the existing road only, with the “with project” scenario in which the traffic is using both the existing and the new road. In the “with project” scenario, higher emission volumes are caused by (i) higher traffic levels, due to traffic generated by the new road, (ii) higher average traffic speeds and (iii) by the slightly higher length of the new road which is used by a large part of the traffic. The new highwat is eight km longer than the new highway. The higher emission levels which are due to the reasons stated above are however offset to a small degree by the smoother traffic flow and resulting lower fuel consumption on both the existing and new road. The exhaust emission generation modeling was carried out separately for the two sub- sections of the road, namely (i) Aden to Noubat Dokaim, and (ii) Noubat Dokaim to Taiz. The results are presented in Table 7.1 to 7.4. The unit of measurement for all pollutants is tonnes per year. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-3 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Table 7.1: Predicted vehicle emissions - without project (Aden - Noubat Dokaim). Traffic (AADT Particulate Year HC CO NOx SO2 CO2 Lead Vehicle per day) Matter 2015 17722 383 486 1462 66 115701 259 5 2020 21978 477 606 1824 82 144377 323 6 2025 26739 559 708 2136 96 169432 378 8 2030 32532 681 863 2604 117 206485 461 9 2035 39581 830 1051 3171 142 251483 562 11 2040 48156 1013 1281 3875 174 307212 686 14 Table 7.2: Predicted vehicle emissions with project (Aden – Noubat Dokaim) Traffic (AADT Particulate Year HC CO NOx SO2 CO2 Lead Vehicle per day) Matter 2015 17722 382 486 1460 66 115601 259 5 2020 28571 880 1365 3242 142 255716 252 12 2025 42783 1304 2010 4815 211 379699 835 18 2030 52052 1571 2399 5809 255 457819 1008 21 2035 63329 1869 2785 6937 306 545611 1208 25 2040 77049 2249 3243 8379 372 656869 1466 30 Table 7.3: Predicted vehicle emissions without project (Taiz to Noubat Dokaim) Traffic (AADT Particulate Year HC CO NOx SO2 CO2 Lead Vehicle per day) Matter 2015 17722 592 752 2259 101 178811 400 8 2020 21978 738 937 2819 127 223129 499 10 2025 26739 864 1094 3302 148 261850 585 12 2030 32532 1053 1334 4024 181 319113 713 14 2035 39581 1282 1624 4901 220 388655 868 17 2040 48156 1566 1980 5988 269 474781 1061 21 Table 7.4: Predicted vehicle emissions with project (Taiz to Noubat Dokaim) Traffic (AADT Particulate Year HC CO NOx SO2 CO2 Lead Vehicle per day) Matter 2015 17722 591 751 2257 101 178656 400 8 2020 28571 1359 2109 5011 220 395198 868 18 2025 42783 2016 3106 7441 327 586807 1290 27 2030 52052 2428 3708 8977 395 707563 1558 33 2035 63329 2889 4304 10721 473 843217 1867 39 2040 77049 3476 5011 12950 575 1015161 2265 46 The results of the vehicle emission generation modeling indicates that the project will cause a significant increase in air pollution load. The difference in pollution load between the “without project” and “with project” scenarios widens over time due to the significant difference in expected traffic levels between the two scenarios. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-4 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) The increase in pullutant load by the year 2040 for both sections is as follows: Vehicle traffic levels in the “with project” scenario are about 1.59 times higher than in the “without project” scenario. The increases in pollutants are as follows: HC – 2.21 times, CO – 2.53 times, NOx – 2.15 times, SO2 - 2.13 times, CO2 – 2.13 times, Particulate Matter – 2.13 times, Lead – 2.19 times higher. While the HDM4 model was used to predict the overall load of airborne vehicle emissions (exhaust gases), the dispersion of those emissions and their presence at the level of receptors along the highway was done using CALINE-4, a line source model developed by the California Department of Transport. The AADT traffic volume provided for the HDM4 model was converted into the hourly traffic volumes needed as input to the CALINE-4 model. The model provides a prediction of 1-hourly increments in CO and PM concentrations for the year 2015, 2020, 2025, 2030, 2035 and 2040 for the receptor locations along the highway, from 5 meters to 150 meters distance. The CALINE-4 modelling only focuses on the CO and PM dispersion, generated from the traffic on the proposed highway. Traffic data utilised for CALINE -4 modelling: CALINE 4 model requires the input of hourly average traffic volume. Therefore, the AADT value was converted into hourly average values. The model was set up assuming that peak traffic hours will be 3 times higher than average hourly traffic. The traffic volumes are categorized into various types of vehicles (motorcycles – 2W, cars – 4W, light commercial vehicles - LCV, buses and heavy trucks) based on the traffic survey at fuel stations during the traffic survey in December 2013. The composition of traffic in December 2013 is shown below in Figure 7.1. Figure 7.1: Composition of Traffic The traffic data for with project and without project utilised in CALINE-4 modelling is given below in Table 7.5 and 7.6. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-5 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Table 7.5: Annual average hourly traffic volume during peak hours without project Traffic volume for peak traffic hour Year 2W Car LCV Bus HCV Total 2015 745 923 396 73 78 2215 2020 924 1144 491 90 97 2747 2025 1125 1392 598 110 118 3342 2030 1368 1694 727 134 144 4067 2035 1665 2061 885 163 175 4948 2040 2025 2507 1076 198 212 6020 Table 7.6: Annual average hourly traffic volume during peak hours with project Traffic volume for peak traffic hour Year 2W Car LCV Bus HCV Total 2015 745 923 396 73 78 2215 2020 1202 1487 639 118 126 3571 2025 1799 2227 956 176 189 5348 2030 2189 2710 1164 214 230 6507 2035 2664 3297 1416 261 279 7916 2040 3241 4011 1722 317 340 9631 Note on “with project” and “without project” scenarios: It is important to remember that the project consists of the construction of a new highway which is located roughly parallel to the existing road, but a varying distances to each other. Therefore, the “without project” scenario assumes that all traffic remains on the existing road, while under the “with project” scenario most of the traffic moves on the new highway and only a smaller portion remains on the existing highway. However, at three points along the corridor, the old road and the new highway are close to each other. These points (Taiz, Noubat Dokaim and Aden) were selected to show concentrations of CO and PM at receptors located at specific distances from the highway. Road geometry: In the CALINE-4 model the entire length of the selected road section is divided into various links. The division of sections into links has been done in such way, so that the link can be fairly considered as straight stretch of road having homogenous geometry with uniform road width, height, route alignment and traffic volume. The coordinates of end points of links specify the location of the links in the model. The maximum numbers of link in each road section can be 20. The mixing zone width calculated for selected highway corridor is 37.2m (15.6 m+ 15.6 m + 6 m). Emission factors: Emission factor is one of the important input parameters in the Caline-4 model. In the present study, the emission factors expressed in g/mile (converted from gm/km) for the present study and are given in Table 7.7. Table 7.7: Emission factors in (gm/km) for different types of vehicles Emission factor (gm/km) Vehicle type CO PM Two wheeler(2W) 3.08 0.03 Cars/Jeep 1.53 0.06 LCV 2.02 0.49 Bus 8.40 1.08 HCV 12.65 1.60 Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-6 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Meteorological data: The analysis was conducted to predict concentration of CO and PM for the worst meteorological conditions. The meteorological parameters such as wind speed, wind direction standard deviation, temperature, mixing height and stability condition are used in model. The wind direction standard deviation was calculated to know the flexibility of wind direction and used as input parameters in worst case run condition. Receptors: A set of link receptors were taken at various receptor locations within each section at a distance of 5 m, 10 m, 20 m, 40 m, 70 m, 100 m and 150 m both sides from the edge of the carriageway to know the dispersion of pollutant from the road. Further, model has been run with receptor grid to explore the spatial distribution of CO and PM concentrations. Results: The estimated increase in the concentration of CO and PM for the years 2015, 2020, 2025, 2030, 2035 and 2040 are shown in Tables 7.8 and 7.9. The predicted concentration of CO is shown in Tables 7.10 and 7.11 for the “without project” and “with project” scenarios, respectively at three selected receptor locations namely Taiz, Aden and Noubat Dokaim. Similar, the predicted concentrations of PM are shown in Tables 7.12 and 7.13 further below. The predicted concentrations have been compared between the “with project” and “without project” scenarios. The results show that increases are roughly in line with the differences in traffic volumes between the “with project” and “without project” scenarios. The total emission levels under the “with project” scenario are not considered as critical in line with international standards. Table 7.8: Increment in CO concentrations CO Concentration (ppm) at kerb side of the road (5 m) Year Without Project With Project Increment (%age) 2015 0.2 0.2 0.00% 2020 0.3 0.4 33.33% 2025 0.4 0.5 25.00% 2030 0.4 0.6 50.00% 2035 0.5 0.8 60.00% 2040 0.6 0.9 50.00% Table 7.9: Increment in PM concentrations PM Concentration (µg/m3) at kerb side of the road (5 m) Year Without Project With Project Increment (%age) 2015 6.8 6.8 0.00% 2020 8.2 10.4 26.83% 2025 9.8 14.8 51.02% 2030 11.7 17.3 47.86% 2035 13.9 20.4 46.76% 2040 16.3 23.9 46.63% Figures 7.2 to 7.7 further below show the predicted concentrations of CO and PM at three locations along the highway corridor, at specific distances from the highway. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-7 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Table 7.10: CO predicted concentrations along the highway for peak traffic hour (Without Project) CO concentrations (ppm) Receptor Distance from the edge of the road, m. (Left side) Distance from the edge of the road, m. (Right side) Location Year -150 -100 -70 -40 -20 -10 -5 5 10 20 40 70 100 150 2015 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 2020 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 2025 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 Taiz 2030 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 2035 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.2 2040 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 2015 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 2020 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 Noubat 2025 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 Dokaim 2030 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 2035 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.2 2040 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 2015 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 2020 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 2025 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 Aden 2030 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 2035 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.2 2040 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-8 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Table 7.11: CO predicted concentrations (ppm) along the highway corridor for peak traffic hour (With Project) Distance from the edge of the road, m. (Left Distance from the edge of the road, m. (Right Receptor Year side) side) Location -150 -100 -70 -40 -20 -10 -5 5 10 20 40 70 100 150 2015 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 2020 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 2025 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.2 Taiz 2030 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 2035 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.3 2040 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.4 2015 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 2020 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 Noubat 2025 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.2 Dokaim 2030 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 2035 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.7 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.3 2040 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.4 2015 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 2020 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 2025 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.2 Aden 2030 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 2035 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.3 2040 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-9 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Table 7.12: PM predicted concentrations (µg/m3) along the highway corridor for peak traffic hour (Without Project) PM Concentrations (µg/m3) Receptor Distance from the edge of the road, m. (Left side) Distance from the edge of the road, m. (Right side) Location Year -150 -100 -70 -40 -20 -10 -5 5 10 20 40 70 100 150 2015 3.2 3.7 4 4.9 5.5 6.2 6.7 6.8 6.3 5.5 5 4.1 3.8 3.3 2020 3.8 4.4 4.8 5.9 6.6 7.6 8.1 8.2 7.6 6.6 6 4.9 4.6 3.9 2025 4.5 5.2 5.7 7 7.8 9 9.7 9.8 9 8 7.1 5.8 5.4 4.6 Taiz 2030 5.2 6.2 6.7 8.2 9.2 10.7 11.5 11.7 10.7 9.4 8.4 6.8 6.3 5.4 2035 6.1 7.2 7.8 9.7 11.1 12.6 13.7 13.9 12.7 11.2 9.9 8 7.4 6.3 2040 6.9 8.3 9 11.2 12.9 14.7 16.1 16.3 14.8 13 11.4 9.2 8.5 7.1 2015 3.3 3.8 4.1 5 5.6 6.3 6.8 6.7 6.2 5.4 4.9 4 3.7 3.2 2020 4 4.6 5 6.1 6.8 7.6 8.3 8.2 7.5 6.6 5.9 4.8 4.5 3.8 Noubat 2025 4.6 5.4 5.9 7.2 8.1 9.1 9.8 9.7 9 7.8 7 5.7 5.3 4.5 Dokaim 2030 5.4 6.4 6.9 8.5 9.6 10.8 11.7 11.6 10.6 9.3 8.2 6.7 6.2 5.3 2035 6.3 7.5 8.1 10 11.3 12.7 13.9 13.8 12.6 11 9.7 7.9 7.3 6.2 2040 7.2 8.5 9.3 11.6 13.2 14.9 16.3 16.1 14.7 12.8 11.2 9 8.3 7 2015 3.2 3.7 4 4.8 5.4 6.2 6.7 6.7 6.3 5.5 4.9 4 3.7 3.2 2020 3.8 4.4 4.8 5.8 6.6 7.5 8.1 8.1 7.6 6.6 5.9 4.8 4.4 3.8 2025 4.5 5.2 5.6 6.9 7.8 8.9 9.7 9.7 9 7.8 7 5.7 5.2 4.4 Aden 2030 5.2 6.1 6.6 8.2 9.2 10.6 11.5 11.6 10.7 9.3 8.2 6.6 6.1 5.2 2035 6.1 7.2 7.8 9.7 10.9 12.6 13.7 13.7 12.7 10.9 9.7 7.8 7.2 6 2040 6.9 8.2 9 11.2 12.7 14.7 16 16.1 14.8 12.8 11.2 8.9 8.2 6.9 Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-10 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Table 7.13: PM predicted concentrations (µg/m3) along the highway corridor for peak traffic hour (With Project) PM Concentration (µg/m3) Receptor Year Distance from the edge of the road, m. (Left side) Distance from the edge of the road, m. (Right side) Location -150 -100 -70 -40 -20 -10 -5 5 10 20 40 70 100 150 2015 3.2 3.7 4 4.9 5.5 6.2 6.7 6.8 6.3 5.5 5 4.1 3.8 3.3 2020 4.7 5.5 6 7.4 8.3 9.5 10.3 10.4 9.6 8.4 7.5 6.1 5.7 4.9 2025 6.4 7.6 8.3 10.3 11.7 13.4 14.6 14.8 13.5 11.9 10.5 8.5 7.8 6.6 Taiz 2030 7.3 8.7 9.5 11.9 13.7 15.6 17.2 17.3 15.7 13.8 12.1 9.7 8.9 7.5 2035 8.3 10 10.9 13.8 15.9 18.3 20.2 20.4 18.4 16.1 14 11.1 10.2 8.5 2040 9.5 11.5 12.5 15.9 18.5 21.3 23.7 23.9 21.4 18.7 16.2 12.8 11.6 9.7 2015 3.3 3.8 4.1 5 5.6 6.3 6.8 6.7 6.2 5.4 4.9 4 3.7 3.2 2020 4.9 5.7 6.2 7.6 8.6 9.6 10.4 10.3 9.5 8.3 7.4 6 5.6 4.8 Noubat 2025 6.6 7.9 8.5 10.6 12 13.5 14.8 14.6 13.4 11.7 10.3 8.3 7.7 6.5 Dokaim 2030 7.6 9 9.7 12.2 14 15.8 17.4 17.2 15.6 13.7 11.9 9.5 8.8 7.4 2035 8.6 10.2 11.2 14.2 16.2 18.4 20.4 20.1 18.2 15.9 13.8 11 10 8.4 2040 9.8 11.7 12.9 16.4 18.9 21.6 23.9 23.6 21.2 18.6 15.9 12.6 11.4 9.5 2015 3.2 3.7 4 4.8 5.4 6.2 6.7 6.7 6.3 5.5 4.9 4 3.7 3.2 2020 4.7 5.5 6 7.3 8.2 9.5 10.2 10.3 9.5 8.3 7.4 6 5.5 4.7 2025 6.4 7.6 8.2 10.2 11.6 13.4 14.6 14.6 13.4 11.6 10.3 8.2 7.5 6.3 Aden 2030 7.3 8.7 9.5 11.8 13.5 15.6 17.1 17.2 15.7 13.6 11.9 9.4 8.6 7.2 2035 8.3 9.9 10.9 13.7 15.7 18.2 20.1 20.2 18.3 15.9 13.8 10.8 9.8 8.2 2040 9.4 11.4 12.5 15.9 18.3 21.2 23.6 23.7 21.3 18.5 15.9 12.4 11.2 9.3 Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-11 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Without Project With Project Figure 7.2: CO predicted concentrations (ppm) along the highway corridor receptor location Taiz Without Project With Project Figure 7.3: CO predicted concentrations (ppm) along the highway corridor receptor location Noubat Dokaim Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-12 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Without Project With Project Figure 7.4: CO predicted concentrations (ppm) along the highway corridor receptor location Aden Without Project With Project 3 Figure 7.5: PM predicted concentrations (µg/m ) along the highway corridor receptor location Taiz Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-13 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Without Project With Project Figure 7.6: PM predicted concentrations (µg/m3) along the highway corridor receptor location Noubat Dokaim Without Project With Project Figure 7.7: PM predicted concentrations (µg/m3) along the highway corridor receptor location Aden Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-14 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 7.3.5 Air pollution mitigation measures While the total predicted emission levels under the project are not considered critical, the air pollution mitigation measures shown below are nevertheless to be implemented. During construction stage:  Equipment and machinery used for construction will be regularly maintained to minimize the pollution emission levels.  Regular monitoring of Particulate Matter at crusher sites, during the construction, will be conducted. If established limits are exceeded, water spraying will be used if water is available. Alternatively, screens will be installed in the downwind direction to reduce the spreading of particulate matter beyond the crusher sites.  Avoiding queuing of the construction traffic vehicle fleet on the roads adjacent to the sites to minimize the exhaust emissions generated during construction work. During operation stage:  Roadside plants that will be planted in some areas along the highway with sufficient water will act as pollution sink.  The reduction of emissions that can be effected by improved engines and quality of fuel are beyond the scope of this project. 7.3.6 Noise and Vibration Construction stage: During the construction phase there will the normal, typical and unavoidable noise and vibration generation due to the operation of various types of equipment, and due to rock blasting at certain locations. The typical noise levels (noise level in dB at 50 feet distance) associated with the various types of construction activities and the corresponding construction equipment are presented in Table 7.14. Table 7.14: Noise Levels of Construction Equipment Clearing Structure Construction Bulldozer 80 Crane 75-77 Front end loader 72-84 Welding generator 71-82 Jack hammer 81-98 Concrete mixer 74-88 Crane with ball 75-87 Concrete pump 81-84 Concrete vibrator 76 Excavation & Earth Moving Air compressor 74-87 Bulldozer 80 Pneumatic tools 81-98 Backhoe 72-93 Bulldozer 80 Cement and dump Front end loader 72-84 83-94 trucks Dump truck 83-94 Front end loader 72-84 Jack hammer 81-98 Dump truck 83-94 Scraper 80-93 Paver 86-88 Grading and Compacting Landscaping and Clean-Up Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-15 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Clearing Structure Construction Grader 80-93 Bulldozer 80 Roller 73-75 Backhoe 72-93 Truck 83-94 Paving Front end loader 72-84 Paver 86-88 Dump truck 83-94 Truck 83-94 Paver 86-88 Tamper 74-77 Dump truck 83-94 *Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Operation Stage: - During the operation phase of the project, the typical noise will be generated by the normal traffic on the new highway. Mitigation measures: Noise impacts can be mitigated by confining the construction and blasting activities to normal working hours in the areas near settlements / villages and by employing modern construction equipment with noise insulation. Specific measures to mitigate noise impacts during the construction phase may include the following provisions:  Source Controls i.e., requirements that all exhaust system will be maintained in good working order; properly designed engine enclosures, and intake silencers will be employed; and regular equipment maintenance will be undertaken.  Site Controls i.e., requirements that stationary equipment will be placed as far away from sensitive receptors as possible (i.e., aggregate crushers, operators, etc.); disposal sites and haul road will be selected to minimize objectionable noise impacts; and shielding mechanisms will be employed where possible.  Time and activity constraints i.e., operations will be scheduled to coincide with periods when people would least likely be affected; work hours and work days will be limited to less noise sensitive times. Particularly there will be no construction activities during Friday noon prayers. Also there will be restricted construction activities during festival seasons.  Community Awareness i.e., public notification of construction operations will incorporate noise considerations; methods to handle complaints will be specified.  Workers camp, Construction plant and machinery to be located at least 1000m away from the settlements.  To schedule noisy construction operations and their duration in such a way to avoid night-time (11 PM to 7 AM) particularly near the habitations.  “No horn” sign boards will be put near all sensitive receptors like schools, hospitals, Mosques madrasa etc.  Provision of appropriate signage’s and signals for slowing down near sensitive receptors will help reduce noise.  Proper maintenance of vehicles plants and equipment’s will also help in reduction of noise levels. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-16 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km)  Provision of personal protective equipment’s like ear plugs to the work force working in noisy environment to protect them from high noise levels for a prolonged period.  The local people will be informed about blasting (if any) well in advance to avoid any accident.  The blasting would be done during daytime to minimise disturbance to local people and animals. Mitigation during operation stage: The design of the highway includes noise barriers at locations where the highway passes within a short distance of settlements/villages or sensible receptors (schools/hospitals/mosques/madrasa). 7.3.7 Water Environment Since water is a scarce resource in Yemen, the protection of these sources will be an important requirement during the execution of the Civil works. Local alteration of water flow and drainage is likely to occur due to the construction of embankments and also due to the disposal of cut/debris material in rolling terrain. Construction Stage: (i) It is expected that during road construction there will be direct and indirect impacts on water resources. There are small water channels (water crossings) that feed individual agricultural fields, particulary the Qat plantations, or supply of water to mosques or houses etc. Highway construction may obstruct the movement of water through these channels, causing difficulty to the farmers to irrigate their land or have water near their houses. The location of such places is not known with any degree of reliability at the present time. (ii) Degradation of water quality can occur due to an increase in sediment load into watercourses near the construction sites. This may be aggravated by removal of trees/vegetation and consequent increase in soil erosion. (iii) Degradation of water quality is also possible due to accidental discharges into watercourses from drainage of workers’ camps and from spillage in vehicle parking and/or fuel and lubricant storage areas. 7.3.8 Mitigation measures during construction stage:  As discussed with local people during public consultation the wells which will be directly affected due to construction will be relocated to suitable places by the contractor after consultation with local people. Until the establishment of replacement wells, water will be made available to the affected people by contractor.  Restriction of work on construction of bridges and culverts during the rainy season.  Use of silt fencing, sediment traps etc. for minimization of soil movement.  Construction of cofferdam with materials that cannot be brought into suspension by flowing waters.  Provision of cover of tarpaulins or other material under the bridge deck to prevent debris, wastes and toxic compounds from entering the stream.  Avoidance of lead-based paints in painting bridge components Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-17 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km)  Use of oil/water separators at drainage of construction camps to extract floating oils.  Proper storage of contaminated liquids and disposal after treatment to bring such liquids within prescribed permissible limits.  Fuelling area for vehicles and equipment’s will be selected away from water bodies.  Adoption of a well-conceived construction material handling protocol e.g. storage away from water sources and provision of retention areas to contain accidental spills of such toxic, hazardous materials.  Obstruction of any private water channels should be avoided as far as possible by providing small culverts. Operation stage: (i) The creation of the paved surface of the road will block the natural seepage of rain water into the ground and also create more concentrated runoff water from pavement. There will be a locally confined loss of ground water recharge capacity in the project area. (ii) In case of road accidents there is the possibility spills of fuel on the road may get into water bodies and cause contamination. (iii) There will be the need to supply additional water for the planned service areas which will include toilets, petrol stations, restaurants, mosques etc. The service areas will also generate waste water. Generation of runoff from the petrol pumps at the service areas would also have a harmful effect. (iv) There may be an issue of water source accessibility, as some water wells and other source of water may be on the other side of the highway which could make access by local people difficult or impossible. 7.3.9 Mitigation measures for operation stage:  Modification of embankment slopes to prevent entry of contaminated water into watercourses.  Drilling of alternative wells, to replace those wells to which access by local populatins is effectively blocked by the new highway, after consultation with affected local communities.  Water harvesting will be used as much as possible. Since water harvesting requires detailed knowledge of local micro-conditions, the feasibility of water harvesting at potential locations will be evaluated jointly between MPWH, the supervision engineer and local communities. If feasible, the necessary physical works will be incorporated in the contractor’s program of works through change orders. 7.3.10 Landscape and soil The construction of the new highway will have important impacts on the landscape environment, especially in the hilly areas in Taiz Governorate and to a lesser degree also in Lahj Governorate, where large volumes of cutting will occur to establish the highway platform. According to the Bill of Quantities for the road works, the volume of material to be excavated is 29,126,878 m3. The details of excavation quantities are provided in Table 7.15. Most of the materials to be excavated from hills and mountain sides will be re-used for creating the highway embankments, but a relatively Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-18 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) small percentage (estimated at less than 6 %) of unsuitable or unnecessary materials will need to be deposited at sites which are yet to be determined jointly by the contractor, the supervision engineer, MPWH and in consultation with local communities. The deposit of such materials can cause local drainage alterations – with erosion on one side and deposits of the eroded material on the other, if the dumping areas are not properly selected and designed. Table 7.15: Excavation Quantities Sr. No Description Quantity in m3 Excavate common material except rock in cuttings 1 14,629,804 and side drains 2 Excavate rock material in cuttings and side drains 10,624,196 3 Excavate from approved borrow pits 3,872,878 Total 29,126,878 *Source: Final design Report, Section III, Taiz-Aden, DORSCH Consult, 2005 According to the engineering design of the highway, the project will require a volume of 27,000,000 m3 of sand and stone from nine borrow locations along or near the planned highway, mostly for the creation of embankments. These borrow locations will be mostly the same locations of the necessary cuts, so the materials which will be cut from those 9 locations will be used almost entirely as fill material in other locations along the highway right-of-way. Stone aggregates will be produced at four locations; these are to be used for producing cement concrete for structures and asphalt concrete for the pavement. All of these locations of borrow areas and stone quarries have been identified and are shown in Tables 7.16 and 7.17. The total quantity of borrow materials is 27,000,000 m3 and of aggregates is 7,100,000 m3. Since most of the borrow materials will come from areas which will be cut anyway to create the highway platform, there will only be a limited impact in terms of borrow areas outside the right-of-way of the highway. Only the quarries for aggregates will be located outside the right-of-way of the highway. Table 7.16: Locations of Borrow Materials Borrow Material Estimated Location Coordinates No Type Quantity (m3) B1 Ch. 14.900 E 21209, N 1504700, Alluvium 7,000,000 B2 Ch. 33.000 E 435450, N 1495590, Alluvium 900,000 B3 Ch. 39.000 E 436500, N 1492210, Alluvium 1,000,000 B4 Ch. 49.000 E 449183, N 1491029, Alluvium 900,000 B5 Ch. 76.500 E 4468112, N 1472700, Alluvium 1,210,0000 B6 Ch. 89.000 E 476758, N 14464712, Alluvium 1,000,000 B7 Ch. 116.500 E 476758, N 14464712, Alluvium 2,000,000 B8 Ch. 116.500 E 493518, N 1443167 Alluvium 1,100,000 B9 Ch. 125.500 E 501800, N 1439940, Alluvium 1000,000 Total 27,000,000 *Source: Final design Report, Section III, Taiz-Aden, DORSCH Consult, 2005 Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-19 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Table 7.17: Locations of Aggregates Materials Quarry Material Estimated Location Coordinates No Type Quantity (m3) Greenish Q1 Ch. 71.500 E 464700, N 1476300, gray olivine 2,100,000 basalt Greenish Q2 Ch. 76.500 E 468900, N 1472930 gray olivine 3,000,000 basalt Q3 Ch. 83.500 E 473500, N 1468760, Black basalt 1,000,000 Q4 Ch. 90.000 E 477500, N 1464300 Black basalt 1,000,000 Total 7,100,000 *Source: Final design Report, Section III, Taiz-Aden, DORSCH Consult, 2005 Soil contamination could occur due to following reasons which may happen during construction and operation phase:  Maintenance (especially oil change) of machinery and operation of the diesel generator sets on the construction.  Oil Spills from operation of the mechanical workshops, diesel pumps and diesel storage, during transportation and transfer, parking places, and diesel generator sets.  Operation of the emulsion sprayer.  Operation of the residential facilities for the labour and staff.  Accidental spill of emulsion, oil and other materials.  Residue of blasting chemicals. 7.3.11 Mitigation measures  If land at borrow pits and quarries needs to be acquired permanently, it will be compensated as per the entitlement framework given in the RAP.  The Contractor will identify the disposal locations for surplus materials in consultation with Supervision Consultant, MPWH and local communities in order to minimize the impact on trees and other vegetation and on natural hydrology/drainage systems of the project area.  After their use, local quarries and borrow areas will be closed, rehabilitated and made safe.  The land used for temporary construction camps, workshops, labour camps and parking areas will be restored to its original condition as much as possible so that it can be used for the same purpose it had been used earlier.  Any land used temporarily, such as for construction camps, offices, plants, storage yards, traffic detours, etc. will not be located on fertile land unless unavoidable. If these are to be located on fertile land, the topsoil will be stripped; stored properly and such areas will be restored after completion of work.  Soil erosion (especially during the rainy season) will be avoided through the available methods, such as retaining structures, erosion fences, etc. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-20 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km)  Wherever the availability of water makes this possible, vegetation will be planted on embankments slopes.  The road drainage systems will be built to ensure that water runoff from the highway will flow into the road drainage system to prevent any possibility of soil erosion.  The vegetation that will grow gradually over time on the embankment slopes will help to hold soil in place through their root system. Vegetation will also reduce the share of precipitation reaching the ground through canopy interceptions and evaporation through canopy foliage.  Movement of construction machinery will be restricted to designated paths which will not pass through agricultural fields in order to avoid compaction and physical disruption of agricultural soil.  The solid waste generated from the worker camps would be dumped in locally identified areas and these areas will be covered after the camps are dissolved. Alternatively, waste can be deposited in formally established existing waste dumps.  Burning of solid waste will not be allowed.  The liquid discharge from the workers camp will be treated in small simple treatment stations at site and the treated discharge shall be discharged so that it favours vegetation growth.  Maintenance work of the construction machinery will be carried out on pre- designed cemented platforms which will be equipped with oil drains / oil segregators.  In case of finding of mineralized zones along the road alignment during excavation, it will be brought to the notice of the competent authority of Governorate.  Appropriate blasting technique will be used which will consider safety, blast geometry, free faces, burden, spacing, initiation pattern and angled holes. 7.4 Ecological Impacts The process of prediction of ecological impacts was based on the approach of relating sources of stress to ecological receptors identified in the project area. The key project parameters and the ecosystem components considered in the ecological impact assessment are presented in the following box. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-21 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Project Characteristics Characteristics of Ecosystem Component 1. Location and land requirement; 1. Naturalness and Integrity; 2. Schedule of construction and 2. Habitat quality; operation; 3. Threatened species; 3. Nature of emissions due to road; 4. Extinction risk; 4. Existing and future land use 5. Alteration in habitat use; characteristics; 6. Conservation 5. Excess material disposal sites. significance. 7. Resource dependencies; 8. 9. Vulnerability and Impact Evaluation resilience. 10. Prediction of environmental 11.and ecological changes relative to baseline taking into account the nature, magnitude and seriousness of the anticipated impacts. 7.4.1 Impacts on Flora  The construction of the highway will have a direct impact on approximately 21,025 trees which will have to be cut in the Right-of-Way of the new highway. Of that total number, about 2,146 trees are fruit bearing trees like mango, pomegranate, orange and guava etc. and 18,879 trees are non-fruit bearing like Athl, Alab, and Amrud and Adelbert etc.  There will be loss of approximately 412,050 Qat plants. Although, Qat is small plant; still it is a major source of income for the local inhabitants.  There will be loss of bushes and vegetation which will be cleared during the road construction.  There will be indirect impact on trees due to deposition of dust on leaves of trees. The dust deposition on leaves will reduce the photosynthesis activity of the trees. However this impact will be short term during the construction phase of the project.  Some trees and vegetation will be removed to clear the land for construction camps, workers camps and other associated activities. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-22 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km)  The excavation of material may lead to changes in the soil profile, hydrology, and topography and nutrients status of the substrate. These induced impacts could be irreversible in nature. 7.4.2 Impacts on Fauna  The loss of trees in the project area will affect the natural habitat of some wild animals in the project area.  There are wild animals like wild cat, jackal, hyena, common mongoose and fox in the project area. During the construction phase of the project these animals will migrate to some other places due to direct impact on their habitation.  There will be loss of food and water resources for these animals due to land acquisition and tree cutting in the project area.  The construction activities and operation of the highway will create noise and disturbance in the natural habitats of animals and affect their living conditions.  There are nests of birds on the trees in the project area. The cutting of trees will direct affect the habitation of these birds (like common sparrow).  Even if there will not be any direct impact on the habitat of birds, they could still be affected indirectly due to air and noise pollution during construction and operation phase of the project. 7.4.3 Mitigation Measures  As much as possible and depending on the local conditions (availability of water and soil), plantation of roadside vegetation will be carried out along the highway embankment and in the highway median.  The location of construction camps, stone crushing unit, asphalt mixing plant and waste disposal sites will be chosen so that they are at a distance of at least 2000 m away from areas with known concentrations of plants or wildlife.  While there is no vulnerable or endangered flora in the project area, the Greater Spotted Eagle and Asian Imperial Eagle which are seen in the mountainous parts of the project area are under the “vulnerable” category. If any of these eagle species will be observed in the project area the same will be informed to the concerned department. 7.4.4 Aden Bird Wetland The Highway construction will not have any significant impact on the Aden Bird Wetland because the closest point of the planned highway is more than eight (8) km away from the wetland. There are many land reclamation activities are going on in the wetland (not related to the corridor highway project) which are affecting the Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-23 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) natural integrity of the wetland. Nevertheless, it will be ensured that any construction or labor camp for the highway construction is located at least 1 km away from the boundary of the Aden Bird Wetland. Also the contractor will ensure that there is no dumping of any material or waste material in the wetland. 7.5 Social impacts during construction and pre-construction phase 7.5.1 Introduction Since the proposed highway corridor is a greenfield project, it is certain that a large volume of irreversible conversion of land use will occur within the right-of-way (ROW) of the new highway. This will occur prior to construction, when the Government will need to acquire the land needed to establish the ROW and to hand it over to the contractors. Most of the important land use changes are expected to occur on agricultural land (including Qat plantations) and pasture/grazing land. Smaller in volume, but very important for the population is the acquisition of land used for residential, commercial and cultural purposes, as well as water wells and water pools. Large in volume, but less important in terms of negative impact is the change from barren land (desert) or other unused land to highway corridor Right-of-Way. The main negative impacts expected due to land acquisition during the pre- construction phase are:  loss of agricultural land and the resulting loss of agricultural production and in turn of livelihood for farmers;  loss of land used for residential purposes, which is often combined with the demolition of residential structures and the resulting loss of living space for people;  loss of land used for commerical purposes, which is often combined with the demolition of commercial structures such as shops, etc. and the resulting loss of income from commercial activities;  loss of water wells, leading to a loss of access to water resources;  loss of mosques and graves which are cultural resources. 7.6 Social impacts This section reviews and analyzes primarily the land acquisition and other resettlement impacts that are likely to be caused by the YCHP. Other potential impacts are described at the end of this chapter. Since the exact alignment of the Corridor Highway is well known and defined, the likelihood of design changes during project execution is very low. The only exception is the planned redesign of one interchange near Noubat Dokaim with the objective to reduce the scope of needed demolitions. The well-defined highway alignment means that the surveys carried out were able to reliably estimate the scale of land acquisition and of other impacts. In the unlikely case of changes in the amounts of land and other assets to be affected, the compensation and other assistance included in this ESIA are to be provided even if the scale of impacts exceeds these estimates. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-24 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) This section also identifies critical areas, types of settlements and the magnitude of impacts on various categories of land (e.g., agricultural, pasture, residential, commercial, communal or public), community resources and public infrastructure, and religious properties (e.g., graves and mosques) that fall within the proposed highway corridor. Through careful project design and application of engineering design techniques, efforts have been taken to minimize land acquisition, household relocation, and other resettlement impacts. The data provided in this chapter is derived from a census survey and complete asset inventory for the proposed highway corridor that was conducted in late 2013 within a right-of-way (ROW) of 50-70 meters width, as established by MPWH. The scope of land acquisition and resettlement impacts for the Corridor Highway is shown below and in more detail also in the RAP. 7.6.1 Estimate of overall permanent land acquisition and resettlement impacts A detailed survey and assessment of overall permanent land acquisition and resettlement impacts has been carried out for the project. Three survey teams comprised of surveyors with appropriate social survey skills and local language capability were deployed in the field during December 2013. The teams consisted of 5-6 persons and each team was headed by a senior sociologist to provide guidance and resolve process questions that might arise during the survey. The census of project affected persons (PAPs) within the proposed RoW was carried out through use of a structured questionnaire, supplemented with open-ended discussion. The census survey covered 100% of the households affected and took records of 100% of the inventory of assets affected by the road RoW in the project area. The results of the inventory have been confirmed by each affected household. The key purposes of the census survey was to identify and enumerate affected people, create an inventory of affected land and other assets, and to establish key data for many other aspects of resettlement planning (e.g., budgeting, establishing modes of assistance, monitoring, and others). In addition, a socio-economic baseline survey of the PAPs, based on a 25 percent random sample of affected households, was also carried out. The objectives for conducting the socio-economic survey were to assess household livelihood sources and income levels, to obtain information from households regarding their relocation preferences, to identify households that may face particular vulnerabilities because of the project, and to provide information useful to preparing mitigation and support measures. The results of the household socio-economic survey are considered in greater detail in Chapter 4. According to census survey results, a total of 2,685 households are likely to be affected by land acquisition. Among them, 308 households are tenants. In total 31,695 persons will be affected. These households earn their livelihood primarily through agriculture, Qat cultivation, wage labour and through small businesses. A total of 1,223.8 hectares of land is to be acquired permanently for the project. Of the three governorates involved in the project, land acquisition will be disproportionately heavy in Lahj Governorate (909.6 ha.), significant in Taiz Governorate (277.9 ha.), and relatively minor in Aden Governorate (37.3 ha). The impact of land acquisition on Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-25 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) livelihoods is likely to be significant in many cases. Of the 2,159 individual plots involved in land acquisition, 1,318 are to be acquired in their entirety (100%) while the remaining 841 plots are to be acquired in part. In addition to land acquisition, YCHP will require substantial demolition of structures and relocation of residents. In all, 169 households (or 2,789 people) will be required to relocate. Among the governorates, Taiz will require the greatest relocation (2,546 people), compared to 233 in Lahj and 10 people in Aden. A summary of permanent land acquisition and resettlement impacts is presented in Table 7.18. Table 7.18: Summary of land acquisition and resettlement impacts Magnitude of Social Impacts Area (hectare) Permanent affected agricultural land 161.0 Permanent affected residential land 11.03 Permanent affected commercial land 21.04 Permanent affected Utility land 223.83 Permanent affected pasture land 696.18 Permanent affected arid land 107.95 Permanent affected religious land 3.77 No. of affected residential owners 169 (nos.) No. of affected commercial (shops) owners 61 (nos.) No. of affected well owners 22 (nos.) No. of affected agriculture land owners 1,630 (nos.) Project affected households (PAHs), among 2,685 (nos.) Land owners 2,377 Tenants 308 Project affected persons (PAPs) 31,695 (nos.) Agriculture, Qat plantation, small Income sources shops and agriculture labour * Source: Census survey, Decem ber 2013. The permanent land to be acquired includes all land needed for the right of way, servicing areas, rest stops, access roads, overpasses (bridges), underpasses and culverts. The project will involve temporary land use for construction camps and temporary storage of construction materials and equipment. The land survey did not cover the impacts of temporary land use because the location of construction camps etc. will be selected by the civil works contractors in consultation with local councils at the beginning of project implementation. In most cases, public land will be selected for the construction camps and storage of temporary construction materials. In case private land is needed, it will be obtained through mutual agreement between contractors and landowners. 7.6.2 Estimated land acquisition by category From the census survey carried out in December 2013, it is observed that as many as 1,224.80 hectares of land will be required for the project, belonging to private owners Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-26 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) (485.91 ha), communities (299.58 ha) and the State (439.31 ha. of public land). The land acquisition needs by Governorate are summarized in Table 7.19. Table 7.19: Estimated Land Acquisition by Category and Governorate/District Total Public land Communal Private Governorate District expropriated (ha) land (ha) land (ha) land (ha) Aden Daar Sad 37.37 37.37 0.00 0.00 Lahj Almosaimer 291.69 55.45 137.22 99.02 Tuban 617.88 346.50 158.28 113.10 Sub-Total Lahj 909.57 401.95 295.50 212.12 Taiz Al Taiziah 50.04 0.00 0.86 49.18 Mawiya 227.83 0.00 3.22 224.60 Sub-Total Taiz 277.87 0.00 4.08 273.78 Total 1224.80 439.31 299.58 485.91 *Source: Census survey, December 2013. The census survey also determined that a total of 2,159 land plots will need to be acquired. A majority of them are likely to be wholly affected (100% to be acquired) by permanent land acquisition for YCHP. The details of land to be taken and a breakdown by category of affected land plots, by type of land, ownership and governorate, is provided in Table 7.20. Concerning commercial land, about 80 percent of such land to be acquired of commercial structures to be demolished are located at one single location, namely near Noubat Dokaim where the original engineering design of 2004 foresees a very large multi-road interchange. At that time, land use at that location was different and most of the now existing commercial strucures were built after 2004. MPWH plans to move the location of the planned interchange by about 300 meters so that it will mostly be located on public land. This will avoid about 70% of the high cost of acquiring commercial land and demolishing commercial structures at that location (Noubat Dokaim). The total quantities in those lines are therefore estimated to be 44% of the original quantities. Table 7.20: Breakdown of Affected Land Plots by Category Land Acquisition Governo- Land No. No. No. rate Communal Acquired Private Land of of Public Land of Land (ha) Plots Plots Plots Residential 84 Residential 0 Residential 0 Agricultural 1005 Agricultural 0 Agricultural 0 Commercial 7 Commercial 0 Commercial 0 Taiz Pasture land 0 Pasture land 0 Pasture land 0 277.87 Arid land 12 Arid land 0 Arid land 0 Religious 3 Religious 10 Religious 0 Utility land 158 Utility land 8 Utility land 0 Total 1269 Total 18 Total 0 909.57 Residential 64 Residential 0 Residential 3 Lahj Agricultural 324 Agricultural 0 Agricultural 0 Commercial 55 Commercial 2 Commercial 6 Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-27 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Land Acquisition Governo- Land No. No. No. rate Communal Acquired Private Land of of Public Land of Land (ha) Plots Plots Plots Pasture land 81 Pasture land 71 Pasture land 33 Arid land 104 Arid land 8 Arid land 2 Religious 1 Religious 3 Religious 1 Utility land 13 Utility land 21 Utility land 38 Total 642 Total 105 Total 83 Residential 0 Residential 0 Residential 6 Agricultural 0 Agricultural 0 Agricultural 13 Commercial 0 Commercial 0 Commercial 1 Aden 37.37 Pasture land 0 Pasture land 0 Pasture land 0 Arid land 0 Arid land 0 Arid land 17 Religious 0 Religious 0 Religious 0 Utility land 0 Utility land 0 Utility land 5 Total 0 Total 0 Total 42 Grand 1224.81 - 1911 - 123 - 125 Total The current use of the land to be acquired, by Governorate, is shown in Table 7.21. Table 7.21: Current use of land to be acquired expropriated Agricultural Commercial Residential Arid Land Religious Pasture Utility Total land land Governorate District Aden Daar Sad 37.37 2.47 0.00 4.45 0.00 12.41 0.00 18.04 Lahj Almosaimer 291.63 24.75 240.17 0.19 15.43 2.07 0.00 9.02 Tuban 617.94 15.33 456.01 4.22 5.39 78.35 0.38 58.27 Sub-Total 909.57 40.07 696.18 4.41 20.81 80.42 0.38 67.29 Lahj Taiz Al Taiziah 50.04 23.98 0.00 1.19 0.06 13.98 0.32 10.52 Mawiyah 227.83 94.48 0.00 0.98 0.17 1.14 3.07 127.98 Sub-Total 277.87 118.46 0.00 2.17 0.23 15.12 3.39 138.50 Taiz Total 1224.81 161.00 696.18 11.03 21.04 107.95 3.77 223.83 *Source: Census survey, December 2013. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-28 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 7.6.3 Number of plots expropriated and people affected It has emerged from the census survey close to about 31,700 people are likely to be affected by the acquisition of the 2,159 land plots which are needed for the new highway. Detailed data, by Governorate, is presented in Table 7.22. Table 7.22: Number of plots to be expropriated and No. of people affected partially expropriated totally expropriated households affected Expropriated areas Number of people Number of tenant Number of plots Number of plots Households Number of landowner No. of plot affected (ha) Governorate District Aden Daar Sad 42 8 37.40 0 34 44 5 Lahj Almosaimer 395 291.70 236 534 159 2699 51 Tuban 435 617.94 213 202 222 959 7 Sub-Total Lahj 830 909.64 449 736 381 3658 58 Taiz Al Taiziah 214 13250.04 351 82 6272 0 Mawiya 1073 226.80 729 1290 21721 245 344 Sub-Total Taiz 1287 276.83 861 1641 27993 245 426 Total 2159 1223.88 2377 31695 308 1318 841 *Source: Census survey, December 2013. 7.6.4 Estimated overall residential structures to be demolished According to the results of the December 2013 census survey, a total of 170 residential structures are to be demolished, of which 127 residential structures are located in Taiz Governorate and 42 in Lahj Governorate. Only very minor residential demolition is to occur in Aden Governorate. Table 7.23 provides details regarding demolition of residential structures under the YCHP. Table 7.23: Estimated demolition of residential structures by Governorate Residential area (Sq.m) Number of Governorate District concrete Brick Mud Stone households Aden Daar Sad 142.00 367.20 0.00 0.00 1 Sub-Total Aden 142.00 367.20 0.00 0.00 1 Lahj Almosaimer 0.00 377.67 0.00 64.20 22 Tuban 651.00 2378.02 19.00 101.00 20 Sub-Total Lahj 651.00 2755.69 19.00 165.20 42 Taiz Al Taiziah 0.00 1107.51 0.00 1359.53 61 Mawiya 0.00 1561.00 0.00 2517.00 66 Sub-Total Taiz 0.00 2668.51 0.00 3876.53 127 Total 793.00 5791.40 19.00 4041.73 170 *Source: Census survey, December 2013. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-29 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 7.6.5 Estimate of commercial structures to be demolished There are 61 shops or other commercial structures that will be demolished due to the project. The great majority of impacts on such businesses will occur in Lahj Governorate, where 43 commercial structures will be demolished. However, as indicated earlier, most of these are at one single location near Noubat Dokaim where a large interchange is to be constructed. MPWH plans to redesign the interchange so that most of the demolitions of commercial structures may be avoided. 17 commercial structures will be demolished in Taiz Governorate, and one will be demolished in Aden. Table 7.24 provides details regarding demolition of commercial structures in YCHP. Table 7.24: Estimated commercial structures demolition Commercial area (Sq.m) Number of Governorate District concrete Brick mud Stone owner Aden Daar Sad 0.00 50.00 0.00 0.00 1 Sub-Total Aden 0.00 50.00 0.00 0.00 1 Lahj Almosaimer 0.00 0.00 0.00 258.44 11 Tuban 7884.33 5055.07 956.00 32 Sub-Total Lahj 7884.33 5055.07 0.00 1214.44 43 Taiz Al Taiziah 0.00 0.00 0.00 61.00 1 Mawiyah 0.00 176.50 0.00 132.30 16 Sub-Total Taiz 0.00 176.50 0.00 193.30 17 Total 7884.33 5281.57 0.00 1407.74 60 * Source: Census survey, Decem ber 2013. 7.6.6 Impact on Agricultural Land and Livelihoods Much of the area along the 140 km YCHP highway alignment is presently used for agricultural purposes. In all, YCHP will acquire 161 hectares of agriculture land, plus 696.18 hectares of pasture area. The majority of agriculture land acquisition will take place in Taiz Governorate (118.46 ha) followed by Lahj (40.07 ha). Only 2.47 ha of agricultural land will be acquired in Aden Governorate. All of the pasture land to be acquired is located in Lahj Governorate, according to census survey results. In particular, among 2,159 plots of land, there are 1,329 plots of private agricultural land, of which 721 plots (54%) will be wholly acquired (by 100%). As local people mainly rely on agriculture as their source of income and livelihoods, the impacts are significant. The distribution of private land acquisition by plot in different governorates is presented in Table 7.25. Table 7.25: Private Agricultural Land Plots to be acquired Total private agricultural Number of plot to be wholly plots affected acquired (100%) Aden 0 0 Lahj 324 124 Taiz 1005 579 Total 1329 721 * Source: Census survey, Decem ber 2013. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-30 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) The proposed highway corridor passes through the Governorates of Taiz, Lahj and Aden. A majority of agricultural land to be acquired is planted with crops such as corn (82.21 ha) followed by clover 13.36 ha, wheat (6.33 ha), sorghum (4.44 ha) and henna (0.47 ha). A detailed breakdown affected crops by governorate is provided in Table 7.26. However, in line with usual practice, MPWH will notify farmers to harvest any planted crops and will give them sufficient time to do so. Therefore, standing crops are therefore not likely to be affected. Table 7.26: Types of crops to be affected, by governorate Total Type of crops Governorate District Agricultural Corn Wheat Clover Henna Sorghum Cotton land (ha) Aden Daar Sad 2.47 - - 0.42 - - - Sub-Total Aden 2.47 - - 0.42 - - - Lahj Almosaimer 24.75 11.30 6.33 0.73 - - - Tuban 15.33 0.35 11.96 - - 0.99 Sub-Total Lahj 40.07 11.65 6.33 12.69 0.00 0.00 0.99 Taiz Al Taiziah 23.98 16.58 - - - - Mawiyah 94.48 53.97 - 0.26 0.47 4.44 - Sub-Total 118.46 70.56 0.00 0.26 0.47 4.44 0.00 Taiz Total 161.00 82.21 6.33 13.36 0.47 4.44 0.99 * Source: Census survey, Decem ber 2013. The field survey has also revealed that as many 433,075 trees/plants are likely to be cut due to the construction of the proposed highway. These include as many as 412,050 Qat plants, 794 bananas, 522 mangos, 187 papayas, 169 guavas, 50 lemon and other 18,879 trees of other types. A breakdown of number and type of affected trees is provided in the following Table 7.27. Concerning the Qat plants, which are actually classified as trees, given their small size and other characteristics, the can usually be removed with their roots and replanted elsewhere. Based on experience in Yemen, it can be assumed that the owners of about 70% of the Qat trees will prefer to relocate their trees since they have suitable land available nearby, while in 30% of the cases the trees will be cut and destroyed. Table 7.27: Number and types of trees to be affected Number of trees Pomegranate Other Trees Governorate District Banana Apricot Orange Papaya Pepper Lemon Mango Guava Apple Palm Figs Qat Aden Daar Sad 0 0 0 0 0 Sub-Total Aden 0 0 0 0 0 0 Lahj Almosaimer 22013 3 6795 145 87 10 450 28 13 3 Tuban 956 17 175 220 2 30 37 Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-31 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Number of trees Pomegranate Other Trees Governorate District Banana Apricot Orange Papaya Pepper Lemon Mango Guava Apple Palm Figs Qat Sub-Total Lahj 30984 0 22013 3 7751 162 87 185 670 0 2 58 50 3 0 Taiz Al Taiziah 0 3453 1 2471 2 16 2 2 21 280 Mawiyah 8 386584 10 8657 358 66 2 122 5 7 24 Sub-Total Taiz 402091 8 390037 11 11128 360 82 2 124 2 0 5 0 28 304 Total 433075 8 412050 14 18879 522 169 187 794 2 2 63 50 31 304 * Source: Census survey, Decem b er 2013. 7.6.7 Estimated impact on other land attachment assets There are some other types of land attachment assets which are likely to be affected due to the proposed highway corridor project. It involves 22 water wells, 2 water pools, 38 fences, 16 guard rooms, 10 graves, 8 mosques and one barn. The details as are presented in Table 7.28 Table 7.28: Impact on infrastructure and services Other land attachment assets Mosques Graves Guard Water Room Fence Barn Well Governorate District Pool Aden Daar Sad 0 1 - - - - Sub-Total Aden 0 1 - - - - Lahj Almosaimer 1 2 31 - - - Tuban 2 3 1 1 - 2 Sub-Total Lahj 3 5 31 1 1 0 2 Taiz Al Taiziah 2 1 6 - 3 1 Mawiyah 5 15 1 1 - 13 5 Sub-Total Taiz 7 16 7 1 0 16 6 Total 10 22 38 2 1 16 8 * Source: Census survey, Decem ber 2013. 7.6.8 Introduction and definition of project affected persons This section reviews and analyses available information regarding the people who will be affected by the YCHP. The information is derived largely from the December 2013 census survey undertaken to identify and enumerate Project-Affected Persons (PAPs) and the land and other assets they will lose as a result of YCHP. Information also is derived from a separate socioeconomic survey undertaken on a 25% sample basis among affected households, to obtain supplementary information regarding their Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-32 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) present livelihoods and living conditions. Further information was obtained through other direct consultations with PAPs. YCHP adopts a definition of Project-Affected Persons consistent with that provided in World Bank OP 4.12, Involuntary Resettlement. Accordingly, Project-Affected Persons refers to all the people who, as a direct result of activities of the project, would have their (i) standard of living adversely affected ; or (ii) right, title, interest in any house, land (including premises, agricultural and grazing land) or any other fixed or movable asset acquired or possessed temporarily or permanently; (iii) access to productive assets adversely affected, temporarily or permanently; or (iv) business, occupation, work or place of residence or habitat adversely affected. For YCHP, Project-Displaced Persons are those who will have to change their place of residence or place of business, as a direct result of project activities. 7.6.9 Significance of land acquisition for agriculture livelihoods and commercial enterprises The Census inventory survey was carried out through door-to-door survey which has revealed that a majority of households (1,630) are likely to be affected due to the acquisition of agricultural land which will affect their livelihoods. This is because the proposed highway corridor alignment traverses in part through open and rich fertile agriculture land. The affected farming land is used for production of Qat, tomatoes, hot pepper, onion, okra, gourd, banana, papaya, mango, guava, palm and fodder etc. at most of the locations. Apart from agriculture, 61 households are engaged in commercial activities for their livelihoods, many in small village shops. A detailed breakdown of land acquisition per Governorate of agricultural and commercial land is provided in Table 7.29. Table 7.29: Households affected through acquisition of agricultural land and shops Number of Number of Agricultural Governorate Commercial Total Land Owners Land Owners Taiz 1290 17 1307 Lahj 340 43 383 Aden 0 1 1 Total 1630 61 1691 * Source: Census survey, Decem ber 2013. The affected shops in the villages are very small, with only 1-2 persons working in each shop. The total number of persons working in affected commercial establishments is 82. However, as indicated earlier, the planned redesign of the large interchange near Noubat Dokaim will very significantly reduce the number of affected persons and commercial land plots. In addition, the project will affect 308 tenants’ households. They are relatively poor. The majority of them are considered as vulnerable, which will be discussed in later sections. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-33 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 7.6.10 Persons affected by land acquisition It has emerged from the census survey that as many as 31,695 persons (of which 19,974 are male and 15,721 female) will potentially be impacted or will suffer socio- economic losses as a result of project activities due to land acquisition for the project. A detailed breakdown of male/female PAPs is summarized in the following Table 7.30. Table 7.30: Persons affected by land acquisition, by gender PAPs Affected by Land Acquisition Governorate Total Male PAPs Female PAPs Taiz 14108 13885 27993 Lahj 1844 1814 3658 Aden 22 22 44 Total 15974 15721 31695 * Source: Census survey, Decem ber 2013. 7.6.11 Persons affected by demolition of houses As many as 2,789 persons (of which 1,405 are male and 1,384 female) will be potentially impacted through residential assets losses as a result of the project. A detailed breakdown of male/female PAPs affected by demolition of houses is summarized in Table 7.31. Table 7.31: Persons affected by demolition of housing, by gender PAPs Affected by demolition of housing Governorate Total Male Female Taiz 1283 1263 2546 Lahj 117 116 233 Aden 5 5 10 Total 1405 1384 2789 * Source: Census survey, Decem ber 2013. 7.6.12 Persons affected by demolition of commercial structures As many as 463 persons (of which 231 are male and 232 female) will be potentially impacted/suffer losses due to demolition of commercial assets as a result of project implementation. Among them, 82 persons work in these commercial establishments. A detailed breakdown of male/female PAPs affected by demolition of business structures is summarized in Table 7.32. As indicated earlier, the planned redesign of the large interchange near Noubat Dokaim will very significantly reduce the number of affected persons. Table 7.32: Persons affected by demolition of Businesses Structures, by gender PAPs Businesses affected by demolition of Structures Governorate Total Male Female Taiz 130 135 265 Lahj 95 93 188 Aden 6 4 10 Total 231 232 463 *Source: Census survey, December 2013. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-34 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 7.6.13 Estimation and analysis of total affected persons As many as 31,728 persons are likely to be affected due to the construction of the proposed highway in terms of impact on their business, housing, farm land, infrastructure etc. The majority of PAPs is likely to be affected due to loss of land only (89.7%) followed by a combination of loss of land and housing (8.8%) and loss of land and business premises (1.5%). The findings of the census survey are summarized in the following Table 7.33. Table 7.33: Total Affected Persons, by type of loss PAPs Governorate Land loss Land/Housing Land/Business Total only loss premises loss Taiz 25182 2546 265 27993 Lahj 3237 233 188 3658 Aden 24 10 10 44 Total 28443 2789 463 31695 Percentage 89.7 8.8 1.5 100 *Source: Census survey, December 2013. 7.6.14 Definition and estimate of affected persons from vulnerable groups MPWH defines “vulnerable households” as those households that may have special needs and are affected by the project in a way that is different from most of the other households. They may belong to such segments of the population such as self- supporting women and elderly people. As per the World Bank definition, a vulnerable group is a population that has some specific characteristics that put it at higher risk of falling into poverty than others living in the areas affected by a project. Vulnerable groups often include the elderly, the mentally and physically disabled, at-risk children and youth, ex-combatants, internally displaced people and returning refugees, HIV/AIDS affected individuals and households, religious and ethnic minorities and women. Given the nature of this specific project and in line with the World Bank definition, it was found that landless tenant farmers who lose access to the land they are working on can be considered as a group of vulnerable people. All of the 308 tenant households identified in the survey are landless farmers. Of those, 62 households are engaging in commercial Qat cultivation and other types of business. The other 246 households are engaging in other agricultural activities. These landless tenant farmers are at a higher risk of falling into poverty that other groups living in the area and are therefore considered as vulnerable people who may need special assistance and livelihood restoration. There is also the group of households that lose a large share of their land, so that the remaining land may be insufficient to generate enough income. This group could in principle also be considered as vulnerable, although many households in this group may upon closer review not be especially vulnerable due to other income sources. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-35 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 7.6.15 Other potential social impacts Besides the social impacts related to land acquisition and resettlement, the project may have other social impacts. These are described below. Despite the depressed business activities in Aden during the recent years, the city of Aden is nevertheless relatively prosperous compared to many other areas of Yemen. The highway section between Aden and Taiz which is to be built under the proposed project would expand the relatively prosperous Aden’s market into hinterland areas and improve access to supply chains for Lahj and Taiz Governorates which are marked by far deeper poverty. Lahj Governorate is among the five poorest governorates in Yemen, with about half its population classified as poor according to estimates from the Yemen Household Budget Survey (HBS) of 2005-06. Poverty in Taiz, one of the most populous governorates in Yemen, was estimated to be higher than the national average as well; the 2005-06 estimates put poverty in Taiz at 37.8 percent, 3 percentage points higher than the national average) . Both Lahj and Taiz have sizable rural populations, facing twice as high poverty as their urban counterparts. Very importantly, about a fifth of all the poor in Yemen are estimated to live in the three Governorates of Aden, Lahj and Taiz. Moreover, an estimated 18.4 percent of Yemen's bottom 40 percent of the population (ranked in terms of per capita consumption) resides in these three governorates. The new highway section is expected to promote shared prosperity in the following ways. o In the short term, the construction itself of the road will bring important short- term benefits through job opportunities for thousands of workers, unskilled and skilled, including those who have been repatriated from Saudi Arabia and Gulf states in the recent past. First, during the construction period a large number of skilled and unskilled workers will be employed by private contractors, resulting in important income generation (about 1.28 million person-days of unskilled work alone during the 3 to 4 years of project execution, at a rate of about US$ 18 per day). Unskilled workers, which in economic terms are part of the bottom 40% of the population, will typically be recruited from the area of the physical works, resulting in direct income generation for this group in the area of the road. Second, the construction would also bring large-scale business opportunities for many Yemeni firms who will be involved in the construction activities, as contractors, sub- contractors and as suppliers of goods and services. It is these direct short-term benefits that are of specific importance in the context of the ongoing political consolidation and unification process. o In the medium and long term, the new Saada-Aden Yemen International Highway (SAYICH) Program, of which the Aden-Taiz Highway Project is the first part, is expected to bring trade facilitation and general economic revitalization, by lowering transportation costs and travel times, reducing overall trade costs, and by bringing access to international markets through Aden deeper into the country. The highway will also provide better access by rural populations to markets and services located in the larger cities along the Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-36 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) new highway (Aden, Lahj and Taiz). Most social services, such as general healthcare, emergency medical services, education, etc. are located in the cities and the new highway will provide faster and easier access to those. o The project is expected to have a transformational impact due to the new institutional arrangements for asset management and maintenance that it will introduce, again providing business opportunities for local firms and communities along the highway corridor. More generally, whether referring to the project highway between Aden and Taiz or the larger future highway from Aden to the Saudi border, the development of roads and highways is a fundamental component of Yemen’s economic development because of the overarching importance of mobility. Access to markets and social services such as health and education simply cannot be improved without improving infrastructure, which also enhances mobility. This is especially the case for Yemen, where the fight against rural poverty is hampered by the inaccessibility of certain areas and whole districts. The government recognizes transport connectivity as the key to facilitating the spread of development’s drivers, be it new technologies, knowledge or the meeting of basic needs. Its endorsement of the SAYICH thus represents a transformational part of its social inclusion agenda. Other potential negative social impacts and risks. In addition to the resettlement impacts, the project may also have some other social risks and adverse impacts on different social groups. The construction of the highway will require a large number of construction workers and at least a part of those may come from other areas of Yemen. With the influx of many laborers from outside the local area, conflicts may arise between inhabitants of temporary construction camps and local communities. 7.6.16 Mitigation Measures  Mitigation for loss of land will be done on the basis of compensation either in cash, or land-for-land swaps, or a combination of both. Mitigation for crop loss will be on the basis of cash compensation taking into account the cropping pattern of the fields. Vulnerable groups may be provided with special support for livelihood restortaion.  Cultural resources such as graves and mosques shall be relocated in consultation with local people and the cost of relocation will be covered through cash payments. These consultations will be carried out by MPWH staff and the decisions taken during the consultations will be recorded in writing.  Water wells will be also relocated in consultation with local people to be carried out by MPWH staff and the decisions taken during the consultations will be recorded in writing. The relocation will be supported by cash payments to pay for digging or boring new wells.  The loss of residential or commercial structures will also be compensated through cash payments. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-37 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Mitigation measures related to road safety: In practical terms, for the new Yemen Corridor Highway project the only viable and realistic measures to improve road safety are those related to an appropriate engineering design. The following particular measures are included in the design:  The highway has two carriageways (one for each travel direction) which are divided by a wide median. The separation of the vehicle flow travelling in opposing directions by the median and also by steel crash barriers on each side of each carriageway is expected to effectively eliminate head-on collissions which are today the largest cause of traffic fatalities on the existing road.  The technical design of the highway will be subjected to a road safety design audit by a specialized international road safety specialist. This activity is already under preparation and will be funded through a trust fund without cost to the Government of Yemen. Any suggestions made by the auditor will be reflected in the final site working design and drawings and will be implemented by the contactor.  The design includes 60 locations along the new highway where it can be crossed, namely (i) 12 road intersections with overpasses, (ii) 3 bridge underpasses, (iii) 2 bridge overpasses, (iv) 20 road culverts and (v) 23 large other culverts suitable for pedestrians and small vehicles (farm tractors, etc.). These structures are located at all those places where local populations need to cross the highway on a regular basis, in order to access farm fields, other villages, shops, etc. The average distance between designed crossings is 2.3 km.  The design also includes lighting at all intersections and all those crossings where electricty is available. For the underspasses (culverts) without access to the electricity grid, solar-powered lighting is planned.  The design includes road markings and safety signage in line with international good practice. Mitigation related to cultural properties: Mitigation measures / procedures have been defined to deal with chance finds of historic or cultural importance. The contractor will take reasonable precautions to prevent his workmen or any other persons from removing and damaging any chance-found/discovered cultural heritage article(s). Chance find procedures will be used as follows:  Stop the construction activities in the area of the chance find;  Delineate the discovered site or area;  Secure the site to prevent any damage or loss of removable objects. In cases of removable antiquities or sensitive remains, a night guard shall be present until the responsible local authorities and the Ministry of Culture take over;  Notify the supervisory Engineer who in turn will notify the responsible local authorities and the Ministry of Culture immediately (within 24 hours or less);  Responsible local authorities and the Ministry of Culture would be in charge of protecting and preserving the site before deciding on subsequent appropriate procedures. This would require a preliminary evaluation of the Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-38 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) findings to be performed by the archeologists from the Heritage Authority (within 72 hours). The significance and importance of the findings should be assessed according to the various criteria relevant to cultural heritage; those include the aesthetic, historic, scientific or research, social and economic values;  Decisions on how to handle the finding shall be taken by the responsible authorities from the Heritage Authority. This could include changes in the layout (such as when finding an irremovable remain of cultural or archeologically importance) conservation, preservation, restoration and salvage;  Implementation for the authority decision concerning the management of the finding shall be communicated in writing by the Ministry of Culture; and  Construction work could resume only after permission is given from the responsible local authorities and the Ministry of Culture concerning safeguard of the heritage. Other mitigation measures:  In order to avoid conflicts between local people and workers from other parts of Yemen, the civil works contractors will be encouraged to hire local people as workers as much as possible. This is normally in the economic interest of the contractors anyway. Handling environmental impacts not currently identified:  If the Contractor or Engineer identify adverse environmental impact(s) at any location which have not been identified in the ESIA or for which mitigation measures are not included in the ESMP, information about such impacts shall be brought to the attention of the PIU and suitable site-specific measures will be developed by the PIU to mitigate such impacts. The Engineer will have the primary responsibility of identifying such cost-effective measures and instruct the Contractor to implement the same. 7.7 Summary of Environmental & Social Impacts Summary of key Environmental and Social Impacts due to the project is below in Table 7.34. Table 7.34: Summary of Impacts Matrix for key impacts Significance during project phases S. Pre- Attribute Description of Impacts Construc- No. Construc- Operation tion tion 1. Air Quality Direct adverse impact on air Low Medium Low quality, which shall last almost throughout the pre-construction to construction period. Increase in air pollution during operation Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-39 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Significance during project phases S. Pre- Attribute Description of Impacts Construc- No. Construc- Operation tion tion 2. Water Increased Sedimentation, Low High Low Resources/ degradation of water quality/loss Quality of water resources And effect on ecosystem. 3. Land Visible and significant impact on Medium High Medium physiography of the region/ change in land use, medium and temporary soil erosion, compaction and contamination 4. Ecology Loss of fruit-bearing and non- High High Low fruit bearing trees. Loss of vegetation, pasture etc. 5. Consumption Construction material like soil & Low Medium Low of Natural aggregates and water shall be Resources used during construction 6. Noise Vehicular movement and Low High Medium construction activity 7. Safety of Increased risk of injury and Low Medium Low Workers accidents in the work areas, as and well in off-road locations like Residents in borrow areas, quarries and project area crusher 8. Socio- Loss of land, loss of livelihood High High Low Economic and loss of properties. Need for relocation physical High Low Low cultural assets, such as mosques and graves. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -7-40 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 8 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) 8.1 Introduction In order to manage the Environmental & Social impacts in line with Yemen law, and policies of funding agencies for the project, an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) has been prepared. The ESMP contains management measures avoidance, mitigation, as well as enhancements that would be implemented during the construction and operation/maintenance phase of the project. It covers the measures on and near the highway right-of-way and also in the construction-related sites such as camps, asphalt mixing plants, equipment workshops, etc. In addition to the ESMP, a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) has also been prepared to ensure appropriate approach for involuntary resettlement of Project Affected People (PAP). The Environmental and Social Management plan matrix prepared for the proposed project during construction and operation /maintenance phase is given in Table 8.1 and Table 8.2. The main element of ESMP is the cost of implementation which shall be integrated into the contactor’s cost. The project envisages about US$ 8,073,100 required to cover the following aspects :  ESMP during construction and operation/maintenance phase;  Training, and  Environmental enhancements. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -8-1 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Table 8.1: ESMP during Construction Phase Potential Institutional Comments Proposed Mitigation Project Environmental Responsibilities Cost Measures (e.g secondary Activity and Social (Incl. Enforcement Estimate Impacts & Coordination) impacts) An average Appreciation of the PIU, MPWH, compensation rate of land cost in the Proper Compensation for 161.00 ha of Revenue Department US$ 4/m2 is decided vicinity of Economic and agriculture land shall be provided as per of Taiz, Lahj and Agricultural Land for agricultural land. Highway. Ribbon Livelihood loss the rates decided (Details provided in Aden Governorates Acquisition The cost estimate is development along RAP). US$ 6,440,000. the highway. Details are given in RAP. Economic loss, Proper Compensation for 22 water wells, 2 Pressure on water Acquisition of Temporary loss of water pools, 38 fences, 16 guard rooms, 10 resources in nearby private and shelters, graves, 8 mosques and one barn shall be PIU, MPWH, areas. Government Temporary non- provided as per the rates decided (Details Revenue Department As per the Entitlement Properties, Water availability of provided in RAP), of Taiz and Lahj and matrix given in RAP. access units and water for domestic Relocation of graves and mosques with Aden Governorates. religious use and for consultation with local people. structures. irrigation Relocation of water wells in consultation with local people. A compensation rate of US$ 5 to 500 / tree Total number of 21,025 trees shall be Livelihood loss, for fruit, non-fruit affected due to Highway construction, out Loss to Ecology, bearing trees and for Cutting of fruit, of which about 2,146 trees are fruit- PIU, MPWH, Loss of nests of Qat trees US$ 15 / tree non-fruit bearing bearing and the rest 18,879 trees are non- Revenue Department birds living on is decided. and Qat trees. fruit bearing. In addition, about 412,050 of Taiz and Lahj and these trees. (Relocation of Qat Relocation of Qat Qat plants shall also be affected. Aden Governorates trees: US$ 3/tree.) The trees. Green belt development and median total cost estimate is plantation has been proposed along the US$ 865,305 for alignment where water is available. destroyed Qat trees and US$ 1,854,225 for Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -8-2 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Potential Institutional Comments Proposed Mitigation Project Environmental Responsibilities Cost Measures (e.g secondary Activity and Social (Incl. Enforcement Estimate Impacts & Coordination) impacts) relocation of Qat trees, US$ 244,245 for fruit- bearing trees and US$ 943,950 for non-fruit bearing/other trees. Hot mix and batching plants to be located sufficiently away from settlements, agricultural operations or any commercial establishments. Such plants shall be Temporary land Air and Noise, Included within located at least 1000 m away from the acquisition. Siting of Crushers, Loss of agriculture Contractor's price. nearest village/ settlement preferably in the Contractor/ SC, hot-mix and land, The cost of downwind direction. PIU, MPWH Batching Plants. Loss of natural monitoring is given in landscape. Table 9.1. Arrangements to control dust pollution through provision of windscreens, water sprinkling and dust encapsulation shall have to be provided at all such sites. All vehicles, equipment and machinery to be operated shall be of good international standards. Operation of Air pollution, All dumpers carrying construction material Included within Construction Noise and Oil spill and debris should be covered to avoid dust Contractor's price. Contractor/ SC Vehicles, lead to soil and pollution. The cost of Equipment and water monitoring is given in Machinery. contamination. Use Personal Protective Gear by workers, Table 9.1. to be made mandatory at these sites. EHS Guidelines of the World Bank Group to be followed for all construction Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -8-3 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Potential Institutional Comments Proposed Mitigation Project Environmental Responsibilities Cost Measures (e.g secondary Activity and Social (Incl. Enforcement Estimate Impacts & Coordination) impacts) activities. Idling of vehicles shall not be permitted. All vehicles should adhere to pollution norms. Vehicles and other machinery to be maintained to reduce the air borne contaminants and noise pollution. Noise limits for construction equipment to be operated such as compactors, rollers, front loaders concrete mixers, cranes (moveable), vibrators and saws shall not exceed 75 dB (A), measured at one meter from the edge of the equipment in free field. Contractor is not allowed to use any community water resources. To avoid disruption/disturbance to other Shortage of Water water users, the contractor shall extract Arrangement of for Local people. water from fixed locations in consultation Water for Dispute over Contractor, SC and Included in with the SC before finalizing the locations. Construction Water PIU (MPWH) Construction cost. purposes. use/resources. Contractor shall provide a list of locations and type of sources from where water for construction shall be used. Contractor shall not be allowed to pump Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -8-4 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Potential Institutional Comments Proposed Mitigation Project Environmental Responsibilities Cost Measures (e.g secondary Activity and Social (Incl. Enforcement Estimate Impacts & Coordination) impacts) water from any irrigation canal. The water for construction shall be used mainly from Wadis (Rivers) or water stored in small dams during rainy season. The water from these sources shall not affect the usage of local people as discussed with Governors and local people. Social Issues due Livelihood to cultural Arrangement of local Labor. generation for local Sitting of Labour differences, people. Contractor, SC and Included in and Construction Loss of agriculture Avoid camp construction on agricultural PIU (MPWH) Construction cost. camps land, land. Loss of natural landscape Waste land shall be used for waste disposal as 439.32 ha of wastelands are available along the alignment. Confining vehicle maintenance and Agricultural soil Generation and refuelling to areas in construction camps Pasture land, Included in disposal of designed to contain spilled lubricants and Loss of landscape Contractor, SC and Construction cost and construction fuels. value, PIU (MPWH) the cost of monitoring wastes and excess Dust and noise is given in Table 9.1. materials. Use special containers with complete pollution labelling, Use second containment tanks for oil collection and handling, Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -8-5 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Potential Institutional Comments Proposed Mitigation Project Environmental Responsibilities Cost Measures (e.g secondary Activity and Social (Incl. Enforcement Estimate Impacts & Coordination) impacts) Collection, storage and disposal to approved disposal sites, according to EPA requirements, and, to the extent possible, reuse, recycle and properly disposing off all construction materials. Collection of rehabilitation material and transferring it to a licensed dumping site. It is recommended managing the rehabilitation materials for further utilization in the road construction. No borrow and quarry site shall be opened without permission of the SC. The location, shape and size of the designated borrow and quarry areas shall be as approved by the SC and as per the agreement between the land owner and the contractor. Agricultural land and pasture land, The unpaved surfaces used for the haulage Included in Opening of Change in land of borrow soil and aggregates materials, if Contractor, SC and Construction cost and Borrow and use, passing through the settlements or PIU (MPWH) the cost of monitoring Quarry Sites Loss of productive habitation shall be maintained dust free by is given in Table 9.1. soil, the contractor. Sprinkling of water shall be Dust Generation. carried out at least twice a day to control dust along such roads during their period of usage. During dry and windy seasons (winter and summer) frequency of water sprinkling shall be increased near the settlement areas and SC shall decide the numbers of Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -8-6 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Potential Institutional Comments Proposed Mitigation Project Environmental Responsibilities Cost Measures (e.g secondary Activity and Social (Incl. Enforcement Estimate Impacts & Coordination) impacts) sprinkling locations depending on the local requirement. Contractor shall rehabilitate the borrow areas as soon as work is over for a particular borrow area in accordance with the agreement between the land owner and the contractor. A completion certificate indicating that the redevelopment plan has been executed, countersigned by the owner, shall be furnished by the Contractor for record of the PIU, MPWH. The Wadi Tuban and Aakan are perennial Dispute over water which are crossing the alignment, all other usage between local water bodies and wadis are seasonal hence, persons and labors. the contractor shall make sure that the flow of wadis/water bodies/water ways shall not be obstructed / prevented during the Obstruction of presence of water in the water bodies. flow of water, Included in Contamination of Construction work close to these seasonal III. Construction near Contractor, SC and Construction cost. The surface water, Wadis/water bodies/water ways shall be IV. Wadis PIU (MPWH) cost of monitoring is Silting of water undertaken only during the dry season. If given in Table 9.1. bodies. construction work is expected to disrupt users of community water bodies, advance notice shall be served to the affected community. Contractor shall serve advance notice to the downstream users of water wherever excavation/drilling is to take place in the Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -8-7 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Potential Institutional Comments Proposed Mitigation Project Environmental Responsibilities Cost Measures (e.g secondary Activity and Social (Incl. Enforcement Estimate Impacts & Coordination) impacts) water bodies. Contractor shall take prior approval of the competent authority or SC for any such activity. The PIU, MPWH shall ensure that contractor has served the notice to the downstream users of water well in advance. Reduce working night shifts as much as possible in populated areas and apply road watering after heavy movements Apply the Yemeni regulation for ambient noise levels during this phase as a major Air Quality And tool in designing the construction activities Noise Included in Traffic Diversion schedule. Contractor, SC and Construction cost. The And Construction Road and labour PIU (MPWH) cost of monitoring is Site Access Points Measure concentrations of particulate safety given in Table 9.1. matter Use personal protective gear by workers, and make first aid available onsite. Provide warning signs at suitable distance around working areas (i) Stop the construction activities in the area of the chance find; Physical Cultural (j) Delineate the discovered site or Contractor, SC and Included in Chance Finds Resources may be area; PIU (MPWH) Construction cost. impacted (k) Secure the site to prevent any damage or loss of removable Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -8-8 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Potential Institutional Comments Proposed Mitigation Project Environmental Responsibilities Cost Measures (e.g secondary Activity and Social (Incl. Enforcement Estimate Impacts & Coordination) impacts) objects. In cases of removable antiquities or sensitive remains, a night guard shall be present until the responsible local authorities and the Ministry of Culture take over; (l) Notify the supervisory Engineer who in turn will notify the responsible local authorities and the Ministry of Culture immediately (within 24 hours or less); (m) Responsible local authorities and the Ministry of Culture would be in charge of protecting and preserving the site before deciding on subsequent appropriate procedures. This would require a preliminary evaluation of the findings to be performed by the archeologists from the Heritage Authority (within 72 hours). The significance and importance of the findings should be assessed according to the various criteria relevant to cultural heritage; those include the aesthetic, historic, scientific or research, social and economic values; (n) Decisions on how to handle the finding shall be taken by the responsible authorities from the Heritage Authority. This could include changes in the layout (such Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -8-9 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Potential Institutional Comments Proposed Mitigation Project Environmental Responsibilities Cost Measures (e.g secondary Activity and Social (Incl. Enforcement Estimate Impacts & Coordination) impacts) as when finding an irremovable remain of cultural or archeologically importance) conservation, preservation, restoration and salvage; (o) Implementation for the authority decision concerning the management of the finding shall be communicated in writing by the Ministry of Culture; and (p) Construction work could resume only after permission is given from the responsible local authorities and the Ministry of Culture concerning safeguard of the heritage. Use of sand platforms for fuelling and transferring of fuel. Miscellaneous activities like Soil and water Contractor, SC and Included in In case of any oil or paint spillage, fuelling, painting pollution PIU (MPWH) Construction cost. immediately remove the contaminated etc. material and dispose it at safe place. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -8-10 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Table 8.2: ESMP during Operation / Maintenance Phase Institutional Potential Proposed Mitigation Comments Project Responsibilities Cost Environmental Measures (e.g. secondary Activity (incl. enforcement Estimates and Social Impacts impacts) & coordination) Use proper warning signs at suitable distance; Road Marking and Immediately remove the painting on sign contaminated soil and dispose the boards. waste in Hazardous waste disposal Road Safety, site. spillage of oil and Maintenance of side paint etc. MPWH/EPA and median Avoid working at night. The cost of Only in guardrails. As required / per Air and Noise monitoring is given maintenance Proper collection of waste in unit. Repair of fence. Quality in Table 9.1. areas working areas. Maintenance of Avoid bitumen melting activities in Waste Management road surface. open spaces. Maintenance of bridges, cleaning of Regular Cleaning of underpasses underpasses and and culverts. maintenance of drainage. Maintenance of MPWH service areas for Periodic cleaning and maintaining Only in rest and Waste Management As needed relocated small services areas. service areas. businesses. Monitoring of During restoration period of MPWH and Cost included in Landscape and Restoration of borrow sites until the site is handed Contractor the cost of aesthetics Borrow area. over to land owner. construction. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -8-11 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Institutional Potential Proposed Mitigation Comments Project Responsibilities Cost Environmental Measures (e.g. secondary Activity (incl. enforcement Estimates and Social Impacts impacts) & coordination) During restoration period of labor MPWH and Dismantling of and construction camps as per Contractor Cost included in Landscape and Labor and agreement with land owner until the cost of aesthetics construction camps the site is handed over to land construction. owner. Plantation of trees to replace dead MPWH/ Forest or Greenbelt and Cost included in Landscape and trees and regular watering of Agriculture Median plantation the cost of ecological roadside plantation and median Department/Contract monitoring construction. plantation. or 8.2 Environmental Enhancement The proposed highway alignment is mostly traversing through the rural areas where water is among one of the vital issue for the local inhabitants. However there are other issues like health, livelihood, education and transportation in these areas. Consultations at various levels has been carried out in order to identify and select the existing facilities which should either be improved or to provide any new facilities in these areas under environmental enhancement proposal. The locations identified for environmental enhancement are given in Table 8.3. Table 8.3: Environmental Enhancement Sr. No Location Enhancement Provision Governorate Cost US$ Al-Ganad Mosque (Near starting point of the 1 Beautification and Landscaping Taiz 25,000 Project Road) Improvement of stadium (This location was Stadium in Al-Hussain Sub District of 2 suggested by local leader and villagers in Taiz 25,000 Mawiya District Al- Maitab Village of Mawiya district). 3 Al-Hussain Village of Mawiya District New water Facility Taiz 10,000 4 Humerain Sub Village of Mawiya District Improvement of water facility Taiz 10,000 5 Al-oman Village of Mawiya District New water Facility Taiz 10,000 Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -8-12 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Sr. No Location Enhancement Provision Governorate Cost US$ 6 Al- Asrar Village of Mawiya District New water Facility Taiz 10,000 7 Al-Ogoh Village of Mawiya District New Health facility and new Water Facility Taiz 60,000 Recreation facility for children’s and 75,000 Medical Facility for Women Particularly 8 Al- Dariajah Al- Mosemaier (Lahj) Gynaecology and Children related medical facility 9 Al-Anad Recreation Facility Al- Mosemaier (Lahj) 25,000 Landscape upper Wadi Murib with for 85,000 10 Al -Musamir area recreation. Water facility and Health Al- Mosemaier (Lahj) Facility. 11 Aqan village School Tuban 25,000 Health Facility and Public Park near Al- 75,000 12 Al-Srahinah village Tuban Musamir /Taiz Junction 13 Naubat Dokaim Recreation Facility Al- Mosemaier (Lahj) 25,000 Public Park between the new highway and 25,000 14 Al-Hutah Lahj the old road near by Al-Hutah Lahij city Public park in Al-Alam area Aden near by 25,000 15 Abyan Aden Abyan costal at first 5km 16 Aden Improve Al-Haswah protected area Aden 50,000 17 Al-Mahjatah area Public park in Al-Mahjatah area Aden 25,000 TOTAL ENVIRONMENTAL ENHANCEMENT COST 585,000 Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -8-13 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 9 MONITORING & INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING 9.1 Introduction Regular monitoring of all significant, environmental and social parameters is essential to ascertain compliance to the country’s environmental social laws and regulations. Environmental and Social monitoring helps to detect the scale and extent of impacts caused by the project over time and to assess whether mitigation measures have been properly and timely implemented and are working as expected. The objectives of monitoring are as follows:  To measure the compliance of construction activities with the ESMP mitigation measures.  To verify the results of the project’s environmental and social impacts.  To ensure that all safety concepts were implemented properly.  To ensure that construction work is going ahead with all statutory permissions and consents. The monitoring activities will ensure the proper implementation of the environmental and social mitigation measures. The monitoring activity will mainly comprise of visual observations carried out by the supervision engineers. Site inspections will take place with emphasis on early identification of any environmental problems and the initiation of suitable remedial action. Where remedial actions are required on the part of Contractor, further checks shall be needed to be made to ensure that these are actually being implemented as per the agreed schedule and in the form required. Each part of the site where construction is taking place needs to be formally inspected from an environmental & social viewpoint on a regular basis. An environmental and social monitoring program is presented for both the construction and operation / maintenance phases. The monitoring program will focus on air quality, water quality, soil quality, tree plantation; borrow area restoration, and socio-economic activities and the condition of rest and service areas within the project area. The Environmental quality monitoring program will consider the parameters for Air, water, soil and noise quality stated in Table 9.1 Table 9.1: Environmental Parameter for Monitoring Environmental Parameters Component Air PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOx, CO Ozone and HC Surface Water Temperature, pH, Turbidity, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Colour, TSS, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Odour, Total Hardness, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Ammonium, Chloride, Sulphate, Nitrate, BOD, COD and DO Ground Water Temperature, pH, Turbidity, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Colour, TSS, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Odour, Total Hardness, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Ammonium, Chloride, Sulphate, Nitrate, and heavy metals, Faecal coliforms and Total coliforms Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -9-1 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Environmental Parameters Component Soil Organic matter , Total nitrogen, Potassium, Phosphorous, Organic carbon, Sulphate, Sodium, Calcium sulphate Noise Leq, Leq day and Leq night Also the other important areas for environmental monitoring are as follows:  Monitoring type and frequency  Monitoring locations  Sampling and analysis methods  Monitoring time or seasons  Responsibility of Monitoring In the present situation there is no monitoring station for Air Quality or Noise Monitoring in Yemen. Also there is no lab or agency which has capability and manpower for ambient air quality monitoring in Yemen. Hence in order to strengthen the capability of MPWH to start the monitoring of Air and Noise quality along the road there shall be at least two Air & Noise monitoring stations along the proposed alignment particularly in Taiz, Lahj and one in Aden. The regular monitoring activities will rely on the supervising consultant of all environmental and social impacts to determine contractor compliance or otherwise with the ESMP. The consultant will monitor the application of environmental and social mitigation measures and the result of monitoring activities shall be reflected on the monthly report except the air, water, soil and noise quality which will be presented in quarterly reports. The Environmental and Social (E&S) Specialists within the PIU (MPWH) will be responsible for ad hoc monitoring of the compliance with the ESMP, and will work in close collaboration with the Ministry of Environment & Water (MoEW) and Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). Their responsibility is to follow up and monitor periodically the contractor, the consultant and the sub-project officer and review monthly reports on contractor compliance. The (E&S) specialists shall conduct site visit to inspect and determine contractor, consultant and sub-project officer compliance or otherwise with the ESMP and other applicable regulations and statutes. Monitoring activities will rely primarily on field observations, feedback from stakeholders and other affected people, complaints in Grievance Redressal Cell (GRC) and documentation of their reactions to the project works and their perception of the adequacy of the mitigation measures. Photographic documentation will be required in the continuous and regular monitoring. Upon completion of the project (i.e. during the operation / maintenance phase) and thereafter, it is planned that periodic inspections / monitoring along the highway will continue for some time by the dedicated E&S specialists at the PIU (MPWH) in collaboration with Ministry of Environment & Water and Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -9-2 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) The World Bank will monitor the implementation of road specific ESIAs/ESMPs and other Safeguard related documents (Resettlement Action Plans etc.). In particular the Bank must ensure that proper monitoring takes place and that the reports are filed regularly. Should these reports indicate incomplete monitoring of specifically identified social issues; these will be reported to the responsible staff in the PIU (MPWH). The monitoring program for construction and operation / maintenance phase of the project is given in Table 9.2 and Table 9.3. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -9-3 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Table 9.2: Monitoring during Construction phase Measurements Responsibilities Parameters To Be Proposed Mitigation Frequency Cost Location (Incl. Methods & (Incl. Review Monitored Measure of Measurement Equipment) And Reporting) Air Quality * Apply (spray) water to Locations of Air Monitoring * Site inspection Three seasons in a Contractor, SC 36,000 the construction surface are Al-Ganad (Km 0+000); year expect rainy and PIU (MPWH) Concentrations of PM10, and other piled Al-Danaba (Km 30+500); Al- * Measuring season for three PM2.5, SO2, NOx, CO materials such as sand Mosemaier (Km 72.720); Al- concentrations of years. Total air Ozone and HC as much as needed. Anad (Km 83+300); Taiz air pollutants samples shall be Factory (Km 127+000); Al- using monitoring 90. * Perform periodical Alam (140+638) i.e., Six equipment and The rate per sample check and maintenance locations where monitoring appropriate is US$ 400. for the construction was done during ESIA stage monitoring machinery and four locations as per methods. suggested by Engineer. Hence * Monitor/measure total ten locations. concentrations of particulate matter and gaseous pollutants. Noise Level * Reduce working night Locations of Noise * Site inspection Three seasons in a Contractor, SC 18,000 shifts as much as Monitoring are Al-Ganad year excluding and PIU Leq and and Leq day and possible in populated (Km 0+000); Al-Danaba (Km * Measuring of noise rainy season for (MPWH) Leq night areas. 30+500); Al-Mosemaier (Km levels using three years. Total 72.720); Al-Anad (Km monitoring air samples - 90. * Apply the Yemeni 83+300); Taiz Factory (Km equipment and The noise shall be Regulation for ambient 127+000); Al-Alam appropriate continuously noise levels during this (140+638) i.e., Six locations monitoring methods monitored for 24 phase as a major tool in where monitoring was done hours. designing the during ESIA stage and four The rate per sample construction activities locations as per suggested by is US$ 200. schedule. Engineer. Surface Water Quality Siting of labor and Tuban and Akan river * Site inspection Two locations Contractor, SC 9,000 construction camps 1000 (upstream and and PIU (Temperature, pH, m away from any water * Measuring downstream) (MPWH) Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -9-4 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Measurements Responsibilities Parameters To Be Proposed Mitigation Frequency Cost Location (Incl. Methods & (Incl. Review Monitored Measure of Measurement Equipment) And Reporting) Turbidity, Electrical body. concentrations of Tuban and Akan Conductivity (EC), Use of silt fencing water pollutants Wadi three season Colour, TSS, Total wherever it is required. using monitoring in a year excluding Dissolved Solids (TDS), Minimise soil erosion equipment and rainy season for 3 Odour, Total Hardness, near water bodies appropriate years (36 Samples). Potassium, Calcium, Prevent any waste or monitoring methods The rate of Magnesium, Ammonium, material disposal in any monitoring is US$ Chloride, Sulphate, water body. 250 Nitrate, BOD, COD and DO) Ground Water Quality Remove any oil, bitumen Six locations where * Site inspection Monitoring at Six Contractor, SC 13,500 or any chemical or monitoring was carried out locations where and PIU (Temperature, pH, hazardous material during ESIA stage. * Measuring monitoring was (MPWH) Turbidity, Electrical immediately and dispose concentrations of carried out during Conductivity (EC), the waste at approved water pollutants ESIA stage. Total Colour, TSS, Total Hazardous waste site. using monitoring 54 Samples. The Dissolved Solids (TDS), No waste shall be equipment and rate of monitoring Odour, Total Hardness, dumped in any of the appropriate is US$ 250 Potassium, Calcium, open well. monitoring methods Magnesium, Ammonium, No discharge of any Chloride, Sulphate, effluents in any water Nitrate, and heavy body. metals, Faecal coliforms The toilets in and Total coliforms) construction camps and labor camps shall be as per the standard specifications to avoid ground water contamination Soil Quality Remove any oil, bitumen Four locations where * Site inspection Four locations for Contractor, SC 9,000 (Organic matter , Total or any chemical or monitoring was carried out three years and and PIU nitrogen, Potassium, hazardous material during ESIA stage * Measuring three seasons in a (MPWH) Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -9-5 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Measurements Responsibilities Parameters To Be Proposed Mitigation Frequency Cost Location (Incl. Methods & (Incl. Review Monitored Measure of Measurement Equipment) And Reporting) Phosphorous, Organic immediately and dispose concentrations of year i.e. 36 carbon, Sulphate, the waste at approved soil contaminants Samples. The rate Sodium, Calcium Hazardous waste site. using monitoring of monitoring is sulphate) equipment and US$ 250 appropriate monitoring methods Greenbelt and Median Good site management Along the entire Road, Site inspection During Contractor, SC Cost is included plantation practices to be observed to especially near intersections construction and PIU in ensure minimal loss to with population centres. (MPWH) and Environmental plantation. Local mitigation cost Administration. detail is given in Table 8.3. Waterways Maintenance of well-kept Waterways/water bodies close Visual inspection During Contractor, SC Included in Contamination of construction site and no to work sites and labor & construction and PIU Contractors waterways due to discharge of effluents into construction camp. (MPWH) price. spillages and disposal of waterways liquid wastes Drainage System * Periodic cleaning and Culverts across the road * Site inspection During Contractor, SC Included in maintenance of ditches * Enforcing waste construction and PIU Contractors * Readiness of ditches and culverts disposal regulations (MPWH) price. and culverts for rainy Equivalent of one season * Periodic inspection for full time solid waste disposal in environmental culverts monitoring engineer / specialist who shall coordinate and report to Supervising Consultant / Included in the rate above. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -9-6 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Table 9.3: Monitoring During Operation / Maintenance Phase Proposed Measurements Responsibilities Cost Of Parameters To Be Frequency Mitigation (Incl. Methods & Location (Incl. Review (Equipment & Monitored Of Measurement Measure Equipment) And Reporting) Individuals) * Apply (spray) water to Air Monitoring locations shall * Visual Site Three seasons in a MPWH 14,400 the construction surface asbe Al-Ganad (Km 0+000); Al- inspection year except rainy needed. Danaba (Km 30+500); Al- season for two Air Quality * Perform periodical check Mosemaier (Km 72.720); Al- years. Total air Concentrations of PM10, and maintenance for the Anad (Km 83+300); Taiz *Periodic check sample =36. PM2.5, SO2, NOx, CO construction machinery Factory (Km 127+000); Al- The rate per sample Ozone and HC Alam (140+638) i.e Six is US$ 400. * Monitor/measure locations where monitoring concentrations of air was done during ESIA stage. pollutants. * No night shifts as much Noise Monitoring Locations * Site inspection Three seasons in a MPWH 7,200 as possible in populated shall be at Al-Ganad (Km year except rainy Noise Level areas. 0+000); Al-Danaba (Km season for two 30+500); Al-Mosemaier (Km years. Total air Leq and and Leq day and 72.720); Al-Anad (Km sample =36. Leq night 83+300); Taiz Factory (Km The rate per sample 127+000); Al-Alam (140+638) is US$ 200. i.e Six locations where monitoring was done during ESIA stage. Surface Water Quality * Site inspection Two locations MPWH 6,000 (upstream and Monitor any spillage in (Temperature, pH, * Measuring downstream) Tuban water body Turbidity, Electrical concentrations of and Akan Wadi Monitor no illegal dumping Conductivity (EC), Tuban and Akan river water pollutants using three season in a of waste in any water body Colour, TSS, Total monitoring equipment year excluding Dissolved Solids (TDS), and appropriate rainy season for 3 Odour, Total Hardness, monitoring methods years (24 Samples). Potassium, Calcium, The rate of Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -9-7 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Proposed Measurements Responsibilities Cost Of Parameters To Be Frequency Mitigation Location (Incl. Methods & (Incl. Review (Equipment & Monitored Of Measurement Measure Equipment) And Reporting) Individuals) Magnesium, Ammonium, monitoring is US$ Chloride, Sulphate, 250 Nitrate, BOD, COD and DO) Ground Water Quality Remove immediately any Six locations where * Site inspection Six locations MPWH 9,000 oil, chemical or monitoring was carried out where monitoring (Temperature, pH, hazardous material in during ESIA stage. * Measuring was carried out Turbidity, Electrical case accidental spill and concentrations of during ESIA stage Conductivity (EC), dispose the waste at water pollutants for three seasons in Colour, TSS, Total approved Hazardous using monitoring a year excluding Dissolved Solids (TDS), waste site. equipment and rainy season for 2 Odour, Total Hardness, No waste shall be appropriate years. Total 36 and Potassium, Calcium, dumped in any of the monitoring methods rate of monitoring Magnesium, Ammonium, open well. is US$ 250. Chloride, Sulphate, No discharge of any Nitrate, and heavy effluents in any water metals, Faecal coliforms body. and Total coliforms) At Four locations where * Site inspection MPWH 6,000 Soil Quality Remove immediately any monitoring was carried out Four locations for (Organic matter , Total oil, chemical or hazardous during ESIA stage * Measuring three years and nitrogen, Potassium, material due to accidental concentrations of soil three seasons in a Phosphorous, Organic spill and dispose the waste contaminants using year i.e. 24 carbon, Sulphate, at approved Hazardous monitoring Samples. The rate Sodium, Calcium waste site. equipment and of monitoring is sulphate) appropriate US$ 250. monitoring methods Staff of MPWH Good site management At all locations where and Forest/ Greenbelt and Median practices to be observed to sufficient water exists, Site inspection During Operation MPWH, Forest agriculture plantation ensure minimal loss to especially near intersections or Agriculture department plantation. with population centres. department and Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -9-8 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Proposed Measurements Responsibilities Cost Of Parameters To Be Frequency Mitigation Location (Incl. Methods & (Incl. Review (Equipment & Monitored Of Measurement Measure Equipment) And Reporting) Individuals) local Administration. * No discharge of used Water crossings /water bodies * Site inspection During Operation MPWH Cost included in Water crossings/bodies oils/effluents into close to work sites and base contractors’ waterways camp. price. * Periodic cleaning and maintenance of ditches * Site inspection Drainage System and culverts Cost included in * Enforcing waste MPWH Culverts across the road During Operation contractors’ disposal regulations * Periodic inspection for price. solid waste disposal in culverts Maintenance of new Periodic maintenance and Regularly During Local Staff of local rest and service areas New rest and service areas Visual inspection waste management Operation Administration administration and associated services Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -9-9 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Table 9.4 below outlines the training programme on Environmental and Social issues and budgetary provisions for training, to be organised by the PIU of the MPWH: Table 9.4: Institutional Strengthening and Training for Implementation Institutional Strengthening Participants Scheduling Responsibilities Cost Estimates Activity Training on ESMP shall consist of MPWH, PIU staff of First in the starting Supervision 200 USD per participants which includes brief about ESMP, Legal aspects; MPWH, Representatives of project Consultant/MPWH study material, lunch and team and cost of contract clause for environmental of Governorates, EPA implementation logistics like venue etc. and safety, Environmental Engineers & Scientists, and afterwards in Total cost = 200X 200=40,000 USD for clearances and permit requirement and technical staff of every six months. one workshop. Total for entire duration of during construction and Contractors. The This will be three implementation considering 36 months. environment management area of approximate participants day workshop. Hence total session in 36 Months is 6. concern, responsibilities, approvals, shall be 200. Total cost= 6X40,000=240,000 USD. ESMP implementation; monitoring and reporting and ESMP management case studies. ESMP Implementation particularly Engineers of MPWH and For Three days Supervision The cost for each participants =50 USD per Monitoring of Environmental and Engineers of contractor. every Quarter Consultant/MPWH training session. social issues at construction site and Approximate no 200. This during entire Total cost= 200X50X12= 120,000USD construction camp. This will be on will be two days (one day construction the job training. construction site and one period. day construction camp) on-site training and organised in every three months. Total Cost for Training 360,000 USD The estimated total cost of Environmental Monitoring and Training is presented in the Table 9.5. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -9-10 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 9.2 ESMP Budget The total ESMP cost which includes the Environmental mitigation, Environmental and Social Monitoring cost, training cost, and environmental enhancement cost is US$ 8,073,100. The detail of the environmental budget is given in Table 9.5. Table 9.5: ESMP Budget Unit Cost Components Stage Item Unit Quantity Total Cost (US$) (US$) (A) ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION COST Green belt development (two lanes) Km 40000 140 5,600,000 Flora Construction Median plantations Km 10000 140 1,400,000 TOTAL MITIGATION COST (A) 7,000,000 (B) ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL (E&S) MONITORING COST TOTAL E&S MONITORING COST (B) 128,100 (C) TRAINING COST TOTAL TRAINING COST (C) 360,000 (D) ENVIRONMENTAL ENHANCEMENT COST SUB-TOTAL D: ENHANCEMENT 585,000 Sub Total A: Environmental Mitigation Costs 7,000,000 Sub Total B: E& S Monitoring Cost 128,100 Sub Total C: Training Cost 360,000 Sub Total D: Environmental Enhancement Cost 585,000 GRAND TOTAL 8,073,100 The reporting schedule for reporting all the mitigation, environmental monitoring and training activities is given in Table 9.6. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -9-11 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Table 9.6: Scheduling and Reporting Year 1 Year 2 Subsequent years Activity Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Mitigation Meas Environmental Quality Environmental Contamination or Pollution Greenbelt development and Median Plantation Health and Safety Waterways Socio-economy Monitoring Environmental Quality Environmental Contamination or Pollution Greenbelt development and Median Plantation Health and Safety Waterways Institutional Strengthening Mitigation Monitoring Training Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -9-12 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 10 INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS 10.1 Introduction The Ministry of Public Works and Highways (MPWH) of Yemen has a very long experience in building and maintaining roads over the past decades. However, MPWH’s focus and emphasis has traditionally been on the most ‘efficient’ (essentially meaning least-cost) construction, upgrading and maintenance of roads. Only more recently have other concerns, such as the dealing with environmental and social impacts of road projects become important for successful implementation. The institutional arrangements for ensuring adequate management of the environmental and social aspects of the Corridor Highway Project are described in this chapter. 10.2 General Institutional Arrangements Figure 10.1 provides an overview of the institutional setup related to the implementation of the ESMP and RAP. Details of the roles of the various institutions involved and their interaction are described further below. Ministry of Environment MPWH High Level Committee for and Water Resources Land Acquisition and Resettlement PIU Yemen EPA Technical Committee for Project Implementation Unit Land Acquisition and Resettlement CSC Environmental and Social Specialist Civil Works Contractors Field Teams / NGOs for Implementation of ESMP for RAP implementation Figure 10.1: Implementation Arrangements for ESMP and RAP 10.2.1 Ministry of Public Works and Highways The Ministry of Public Works and Highway (MPWH) has the overall responsibility for the implementation of the Corridor Highway project. The MPWH has carried out the road corridor selection and the engineering design of the highway section between Aden and Taiz through an international engineering consulting firm (Dorsch Consult, Germany). The MPWH has also engaged another international consulting firm (Voyants, India) for conducting the Environmental and Social Assessment (ESIA), the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) and the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) for the project. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -10-1 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 10.2.2 Project Implementation Unit within MPWH To effectively oversee project preparation and to ensure the timely implementation of the project, a Project Implementation Unit (PIU) has been established within MPWH. The implementation of the project’s environmental and social mitigation measures will be the responsibility of the PIU. The PIU is headed by a Project Director and presently also includes one Procurement officer, one senior Design Engineer, one IT expert and one Financial Management Specialist. The PIU is also in the process of identifying and hiring an Environmental and Social Specialist to ensure that implementation of the RAP and ESMP is done adequately. It is also envisaged that the Environmental and Social Specialist will later oversee the preparation by external consultants of ESIA’s, ESMP’s and RAP’s for the subsequent stages of the overall SAYICH program. The PIU staffing may be further strengthened if needed during project implementation. With some appropriate training and the actual exposure of the PIU staff to the environmental and social issues, the PIU staff will become competent to oversee the implementation of the ESMP and RAP. The PIU will be assigned with specific responsibilities with regard to:  Monitoring progress in the implementation of the environmental and social provisions, as per planned schedule of activities.  Supervising implementation of mitigation measures by the civil works contractors along the project highway.  Assisting the Supervision Engineer at the works sites by providing appropriate environmental advice, and if necessary, developing additional mitigation measures.  Documenting the actual implementation of the environmental mitigation measures.  In collaboration with the Environmental Specialist of the Supervision Consultant, preparing and conducting training materials for the MPWH field staff involved in the project, by incorporating the experience of implementation processes and other issues concerning protection of the social and environment safeguards.  Maintaining working contacts and exchanging information with the other relevant institutions involved in the project. Among the responsibilities of the Environmental and Social Specialist within the PIU shall be to guide and assist the MPWH in the process of developing, implementing and strengthening the environmental and social management practices applied in this specific highway project and also for in highway development projects in general, drawing on the experience gained in the implementation of this project. The duties entrusted to the Environmental and Social Specialist includes: Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -10-2 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km)  Participate in the preparation and completion of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for the project, in close coordination with World Bank staff.  Ensure that project execution is done in line with the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) and Resettlement Action Plan (RAP).  Coordinate with the EPA to obtain the necessary Environmental clearances for the project.  Develop training program / materials for MPWH staff, contractors and others involved in the project implementation, in collaboration with the Environmental and Social Specialists of the Supervision Consultant.  Review and approve the Contractor’s Implementation Plan for the Environmental and Social measures, as per the ESMP.  Liaise with the Contractors and the Supervision Consultant to guide and facilitate the implementation of the ESMP.  Liaise with Government agencies on environmental, social and other regulatory matters.  Continuously interact with the Beneficiary Committees/NGOs / EPA and Community groups involved in the project.  Establish a continuous dialogue with the affected communities and ensure that their environmental and social concerns and suggestions are incorporated and implemented in the project.  Carry out site regular inspections and review the environmental and social performance of the project through an assessment of the periodic environmental and social monitoring reports submitted by the Supervision Consultants, and to provide a summary of those reports to the Project Director at MPWH, and initiate necessary follow-up actions.  Provide support and assistance to the Government Agencies and the World Bank to facilitate their activities related to the supervision of the implementation of the ESMP during the construction as well as the operational stage of the project.  Document good practices and lessons learnt in the project relating to the incorporation and integration of environmental and social issues into engineering design, and on implementing measures in the road construction and maintenance programs, and dissemination of the same. This shall form a useful tool to other similar agencies in other parts of the country.  Report to the Project Director on the environmental and social aspects pertaining to the project. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -10-3 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km)  Prepare periodic (monthly, quarterly and annual) reports for dissemination within the MPWH and for the World Bank, etc. 10.2.3 Capacity Building Plan for Environmental/Social Specialist at PIU The PIU is in the process of recruiting an Environmental/Social Specialist whose main task will be to ensure that ESMP will be fully implemented. He/she needs to be well-versed with the requirements of the Yemeni environmental legislation and the policies of the donors that contribute funding to the project. The capacity of the PIU staff in general and the Specialist in particular will need to be enhanced during the course of the project. This will include training on the job through close collaboration with Bank staff and also through suitable class-room based training courses. A study tour may be another option if the necessary resources are made available. To carry out monitoring activities and for obtaining and analyzing pollution related data, the PIU and Environmental/Social Specialist will get suitable transportation to site for inspecting the road works. Since pollution monitoring equipment is currently not available in-house, the PIU will either use external laboratories or procure the needed equipment for collecting pollution data. 10.2.4 Environmental Protection Agency The Yemen Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and MPWH are establishing a memorandum of understanding which defines the roles and responsibilities of each organization with regard to the implementation, monitoring and supervision of the agreed ESMP for the project. A draft of this agreement is presented in Annex 10.1. The agreement between MPWH and the EPA will provide for a robust 3rd party insight by the EPA into the extent to which the ESMP is being effective in managing adverse impacts on the environment. 10.2.5 Supervision Consultants (ESMP Implementation) MPWH will employ two international supervision consulting firms to carry out the supervision of works. One firm has already been selected (for the SFD-funded highway section between Taiz and Noubat Dokaim). The recruitment of the consultant to supervise the IDA-funded section between Noubat Dokaim and Aden is presently underway through an international competitive selection process. The supervision consultants will be the representatives of MPWH on the construction site and thus assist the MPWH with the supervision of the civil works and also of the implementation of the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP). The Supervision Consultants will assume the role of the Engineer according to FIDIC rules. Their TOR indicate that they are to have in-house capability to supervise and advise on the implementation of the ESMP, including on making decisions regarding the applicability of potential design enhancement options. The supervision consultants’ team will therefore employ full time environmental and social specialists whose prime duty will be to ensure that the construction of the highway is carried out in a socially and environmentally friendly manner, in line with the ESMP. Their tasks also include the development of environmental and social procedures and good Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -10-4 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) construction practices, development and delivery of training programmes and workshops etc. The Supervision consultant’s environmental and social specialists should preferably be civil engineers with postgraduate specialization in environmental engineering / environmental sciences. They should have several years of working experience related to the integration of environmental and social issues in the design, construction and operation of infrastructure projects. Experience in construction management and operational maintenance of highways would be very helpful. Their specific roles and responsibilities shall be:  Supervise the implementation of the ESMP by the Contractors.  Develop, organize and deliver environmental training programmes and workshops for the staff of the MPWH, Contractors, Field Supervision Staff, MPWH officials and the Quality Auditors.  Review and approve site-specific environmental and social enhancement/ mitigation designs worked out by the Contractor.  Hold regular consultation meetings with the PIU of the MPWH.  Review the contractors work program and procedures to ensure compliance with the Environmental & Social Management Plan (ESMP).  Develop good practice construction guidelines to assist the contractors in implementing the ESMP.  Carry out periodic environmental monitoring programmes (air, noise, water, etc.) to ensure compliance with the Government requirements and the ESMP.  Prepare and submit regular environmental & social monitoring and implementation progress reports.  Assist MPWH PIU to prepare good practice dissemination notes based on the experience gained from site supervision. 10.3 Specific arrangements for RAP Implementation As authorized by GoY, MPWH bears primary official responsibility for ensuring that land acquisition and resettlement associated with YCHP is planned and implemented in a manner consistent with the laws and regulations of Yemen, and in a manner consistent with the principles and procedures of World Bank OP 4.12. The YCHP Project Implementation Unit (PIU) has been established within MPWH. One of the key responsibilities of the PIU is routine management of land acquisition and RAP implementation under the supervision the Minister of MPWH. Accordingly, the PIU is both the primary author and primary implementing agent for this RAP. The organizational arrangements for the RAP implementation are the following: Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -10-5 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) High Supervisory Committee (Policy Making and oversight) Minister of Public Works and Highways (MPWH) (PIU) Technical Committee Land Acquisition Agreement (LAA) Compensation Compensation Compensation Committee Committee Committee Taizz Lahej Aden Governor of Governor of Governor of Taizz Lahej Aden Local Councils at district level Village Representative (Communal Land) Project Affected Persons (PAPs) Figure 10.2: Organizational Structure for Land Acquisition and Resettlement Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -10-6 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) To ensure adequate management attention to RAP implementation, three functional entities have been created to manage various aspects and to ensure effective coordination among agencies and jurisdictions that will be involved. A High Supervisory Committee for Land Acquisition and Resettlement (HSC) in an inter- ministerial entity at the apex of the hierarchy. The YCHP Project Implementation Unit (PIU) will manage day-to-day aspects of RAP implementation. And a Technical Committee for Land Acquisition and Resettlement (TC) will support and assist the PIU in valuation of assets, determination of compensation rates, and other technical aspects associated with RAP implementation. RAP implementation also will be supported by relevant officials at the governorate and district levels. The roles and responsibilities of each of these entities are described in the following section. 10.3.1 High Supervisory Committee (HSC) for Land Acquisition and Resettlement The primary function of the HSC is to provide overall policy guidance, oversight and coordination for all aspects of land acquisition and resettlement. The HSC is responsible for establishing effective means of multijurisdictional communication and coordination among the three governorates involved in YCHP. The HSC also will establish effective means for inter-ministerial communication and coordination to the extent necessary to ensure timely delivery of any services necessary for full implementation of all RAP assistance measures. Also, the HSC issues final approval for payment of compensation, based on the results of assessments conducted by governorate-level compensation committees. The HSC will meet on an ad-hoc basis to address issues brought to its attention by the PIU or through the project monitoring process, and to consider any grievances raised by affected persons that have not been resolved at lower levels of engagement. The HSC will be chaired by the Minister of MPWH, and also consists of the following members: a) Minister of Finance b) Minister of Planning c) Chairman of Authority of Land Survey and Urban Planning d) Minister of Interior Affairs e) Minister of Awqaf f) Governor of Taiz g) Governor of Lahj h) Governor of Aden The HSC will mainly have the following responsibilities: a) Overall policy guidance and oversight for all aspects of land acquisition and resettlement b) Approve budgets and final compensation lists prior to payment c) Resolve issues that may arise, including grievances raised by affected persons that have not been resolved through lower-level grievance redress committees d) Ensure coordination among agencies and jurisdictions as necessary to facilitate RAP implementation Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -10-7 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 10.3.2 Ministry of Public Works and Highways Overall project implementation will be executed under the supervision of MPWH. The minister of MPWH will play an important and direct role in RAP implementation. Specifically, the roles and responsibilities assigned to the minister include: a) Chairing the HSC, as described above b) Managing the relationship between the HSC and PIU c) Issuing decrees and approving PIU plans related to compensation d) Promoting effective coordination among agencies and jurisdictions involved in implementation e) Managing relations with donors and other external stakeholders 10.3.3 Project Implementation Unit Working under the supervision of MPWH and the HSC, the PIU is responsible for all day-to-day aspects of RAP implementation. The tasks relating to land acquisition and RAP implementation to be performed by the PIU include: a) Ensuring that adequate information is provided to affected communities regarding the project and RAP provisions, and ensuring that affected persons are consulted regarding project activities and RAP measures pertaining to them. b) With the support of the TC, determining the unit compensation rate for each category of lost land, structures and other fixed assets. c) Providing compensation at replacement cost for land, structures and other assets directly to affected persons. d) Maintaining effective means of coordination with governorates, districts and local councils as necessary for RAP implementation, and ensuring that resettlement- related actions taken by local jurisdictions are consistent with RAP requirements. e) Liaising between the TC and governorate-level compensation committees and provide necessary support to them as needed. f) Supervising and providing guidance to consultants and the TC in carrying out land survey and census survey. g) Arranging HSC meetings and recording results, and work as the HSC secretariat to implement HSC decrees and decisions. h) Participating in the grievance review process, contributing to resolution of complaints where possible and directing unresolved complaints to the HSC as necessary. i) Conducting internal project monitoring, preparing internal monitoring reports, and supporting the work of those responsible for external project monitoring. j) Keeping full records and documentation relating to expropriation of land and other assets, valuation and confirmation of local compensation amounts, payment of compensation and all other forms of cash assistance, and reviewing appropriateness of any donation of communal land. k) Monitoring all RAP-related expenditures against budget provisions, and identifying issues that may require allocation of contingency funding. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -10-8 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) l) Establishing a good financial management system within the PIU to be responsible for paying compensation to PAPs after approved by HSC, keeping records and good documentary system to allow both internal and external monitoring, and also ensuring that compensation is not paid for ineligible expenses. m) Preparing the final report regarding the whole land acquisition attached to each PAP file including all the original supporting documents to be delivered to the General Authority of Land Survey and Urban Planning as the final legal records of land ownership, and also keeping these documents for future reference. n) Facilitating World Bank supervision relating to RAP implementation. Within the PIU, a land acquisition and resettlement unit has been established, with adequate personnel assigned, with responsibilities clearly defined, and with adequate resources allocated for full RAP implementation. 10.3.4 Technical Committee for Land Acquisition and Resettlement The primary function of the TC is to establish and manage effective means for valuation of land and other assets that will be affected by YCHP, to establish and administer RAP eligibility criteria for all categories of affected persons, to assess and certify compensation amounts due affected persons, to recommend HSC approval for timely payment of compensation in full to affected persons, and to assist the PIU as necessary to ensure full and effective delivery of all other forms of assistance to affected persons, as required in this RAP. The TC establishes valuation criteria and local asset prices and, in a manner consistent with the RAP replacement cost criterion, will establish unit compensation rates for all categories of affected land, structures, crops and trees, or other affected assets. During project implementation, the TC will assist the PIU for delivery of compensation to ensure effective and timely payment to affected persons. The TC also provides support, as warranted, for project monitoring activities relating to acquisition of assets and payment of compensation. As relevant, the TC also assists the PIU in addressing grievances from affected persons relating to acquisition of assets and payment of compensation. The TC meets on an ad-hoc basis and is funded and supported as necessary by the PIU. The TC is chaired by the general manager of the PIU. Other members are: the PIU project engineer, the financial manager representing the Ministry of Finance, a representative from the Ministry of Endowment, a representative of the State Lands and Real Estate Authority, and a judge nominated by MPWH. More specifically, the TC has the following responsibilities: a) Carry out land survey works based on Arial maps prepared previously by GIS Centre showing all properties located within the highway corridor and an additional 5m from each side. b) Participate in field visits by technical working teams to identify each property, ownership, type of structures, crops or trees, or other assets c) locate on maps any type of properties not shown on maps Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -10-9 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) d) Participate in the census survey identifying and enumerating all affected persons e) Establish the unit compensation rate, consistent with the replacement cost criterion, for categories of land, structures and all other categories of affected assets. The unit cost shall be determined by taking into account the nature of each property, prevailing local market rates, and any extenuating circumstances that add to the value of particular assets, in consultation with the PAPs or their representatives. f) Prepare complete detailed lists of PAPs and their properties indicating size and type of plots (e.g., agricultural land, pasture, unutilized land, communal land, residential land, and commercial land), special features (e.g., access to water), size and type of structures, wells or other fixed assets. g) Prepare and record documentation that contains reference number, chainage, location, total area, and percentage of area taken, social information, and other relevant data. h) Prepare all technical data like plans, photos, and type of structures, wells, plants, lands of all types, primary building materials, and other aspects as relevant. 10.3.5 Governorate Compensation Committees A compensation committee will be established in each of the three governorates along the YCHP alignment: Aden, Lahj and Taiz. The primary function of these committees is to ensure the accuracy of land ownership documents, and to assist in the process of establishing unit compensation rates for all categories of affected land, structures and other fixed assets that are consistent with the replacement cost criterion. The Compensation Committee will be chaired by a governorate-level Supreme Court judge, and also consists of the following members: a) Representative from Ministry of Public Works and Highways b) Representative from Ministry of Awqaf c) Representative from Land Survey and Urban Planning Authority d) Governorate representative - Local Council e) Representative from Ministry of Finance The compensation committee will mainly play the following roles within its governorate: a) Review all ownership documents submitted by owners and verify that these documents are accurate and reflect actual ownership, use or occupancy for each affected site b) Verify that compensation amounts for each affected person are based on the unit compensation rates established by the TC and approved by the PIU. c) Prepare the final list of affected persons, to be verified and authorized through signed endorsement by the governor. Prepare and maintain a complete file for each affected person. d) Support and observe PIU procedures for delivery of compensation to affected persons, to ensure effective and timely payment to affected persons during project implementation e) Support efforts to resolve compensation disputes or other grievances raised by affected persons in accordance with project grievance procedures. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -10-10 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 10.3.6 Other governorate functions and local authorities Formally, RAP implementation is a national-level responsibility, resting with MPWH and working through its centralized PIU. However, effective implement will require coordination with the three governorates (Taiz, Lahj and Aden) along the alignment, along with their subordinate district governments, and with local councils and village committees functioning at the village or settlement level. Governorate and district-level officials have participated in the census and survey process, facilitating the work of survey teams in the field. The governorates also will have a role to play in determining increases to compensation, above the unit compensation rates, to take account of local extenuating circumstances, variation in production output capacity, or other location-specific factors. The cooperation of governorates and districts also will be solicited on an ad-hoc basis for many other aspects of RAP implementation. This may include facilitation of external project monitoring, addressing grievances from affected persons, working with local councils and beneficiary committees to facilitate assistance to significantly affected persons or vulnerable persons, and facilitating local consultations and information disclosure. More specifically, the governor in three governorates will play the following roles: a) Appoint the compensation committee in each governorate b) Ratify and approve the final compensation lists of each governorate c) Seek to resolve disputes which could not be solved by the CCs d) Guidance to redress grievance committees At district level, the local council will have a more direct role in working with the PIU to ensure that local facilities and services that are damaged or disrupted because of the project are rehabilitated or restored. The local council also will play a leading role in formulating, and facilitating the work of village committees. Similar to governorate level officials, the local council may be involved in facilitation of external project monitoring, addressing grievances from affected persons, and facilitating local consultations and information disclosure. At the village or settlement level, the village level committees - existing formal, informal or customary organizations in local village or settlement - will play an important ad-hoc role in facilitating RAP implementation. It is likely that PIUs will work with these committees to ensure that any communal land donations are accepted only in a manner consistent with RAP requirements, and in devising strategies or opportunities to assist affected persons whose livelihoods are significantly affected, who may lack formal legal rights, who may be displaced from communal land or structures, or who are otherwise vulnerable to disadvantage because of the project. Where established, the primary function of the village representative committee will be to help the PIU provide other assistance to affected persons, and particular circumstances that exist at the local level. Among other potential aspects, village committees may be asked to assist in: Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -10-11 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) a) Facilitating local communal land donation in a manner consistent with cultural practice, ensuring that, in each case, the donation is voluntary and does not result in impoverishment or hardship to any users or occupants of the land. b) Facilitating the search for, and project acquisition of, alternative lands for significantly affected persons where in-kind land replacement is possible and preferred. c) Facilitating engagement with persons using or occupying communal lands, and facilitating rehabilitation or restoration of communal facilities or services. d) Witnessing payment of compensation and cash-based assistance to affected persons, and affected persons’ receipt of it. e) Monitoring whether contractors repair, rehabilitate or replace any walls, irrigation or drainage channels, or other local infrastructure that may be damaged or destroyed in the construction process. f) Assisting affected persons in formulating and pursuing grievances. 10.4 Adaptive management arrangements Effective implementation of land acquisition and resettlement frequently requires adaptation to changes in project design, or a management response to unanticipated conditions that arise in the project area after the RAP is finalized. As stated above, the PIU will establish effective means for managing and resolving issues associated with land acquisition and resettlement as they arise. While the RAP is the instrument that is intended to guide resettlement implementation, the PIU also may determine that alternative actions or approaches are more appropriate if RAP provisions would be obsolete or ineffective because of changes in the project environment. This includes formulating new modes of assistance if unanticipated categories of impact are identified in implementation, altering the timing or sequencing of actions to adjust to shifts in the project implementation timetable, increasing compensation rates if compensation payment is delayed or where inflation is significant, and other responsive actions. Adaptive management decisions causing deviation from RAP arrangements are brought to the World Bank’s attention during project supervision. However, the scope for such adaptive management is limited. No changes will be made to eligibility criteria for resettlement assistance. Unit compensation rates will not be reduced, compensation amounts will not be less than that to be established through application of the unit compensation rates, and other entitlements or forms of assistance to affected persons will not be reduced in scope without the prior concurrence of the World Bank. 10.5 Grievance management system The project will include multi-level arrangements for registering and addressing grievances and complaints from project-affected people. The primary purpose of the Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -10-12 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) project grievance management mechanism is to provide clear and accountable means for affected persons to raise complaints and seek remedies when they believe they have been harmed by the project. An effective and responsive grievance management system also facilitates project progress, by reducing the risks that unaddressed complaints eventually lead to construction delays, lengthy court procedures, or adverse public attention. 10.5.1 Informing project-affected persons about complaint processes In collaboration with the three governorate administrations involved in the project area, the PIU will take steps to inform project-affected persons about means available to them for lodging complaints. The information will pertain both to informal or customary processes for resolving local property conflicts as well as to the formal mechanism established for PIU purposes. The PIU will also ensure that detailed specific information (including locations and contact information for lodging complaints) is disseminated at the village or hamlet level, through distribution of posters, pamphlets, or other means. 10.5.2 Methods for lodging complaints The grievance management system relies both on informal or customary means for resolving local property issues as well as a formal mechanism established for project management purposes. Customary arrangements often resolve issues in a timely and effective manner because they are already known within the locality and because local people may be more inclined to accept results as legitimate. Similarly, many complaints relate not to land acquisition or resettlement arrangements, but instead to incidental damage to property caused by contractors. Under such circumstances, it may be more efficient and less costly for the affected person and the contractor to negotiate a solution directly, or for the affected person to seek satisfaction through customary means. Also, complaints relating to use or occupancy of waqf land may best be pursued, at least initially, through discussion with local tribe leaders or Sheikhs. Any affected person may lodge a complaint through the formal GRM process, regardless of whether informal or customary arrangements for addressing the issue have been pursued. The PIU will designate an official within each governorate as well as district as the contact person for receiving complaints. If the grievance cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the affected person at the governorate level, the affected person may raise the complaint to the PIU grievance committee at central level. The project grievance management system is available to all affected persons, without charge. If a grievance remains unresolved following application of the Grievance Redress Mechanism, the affected person can initiate legal proceedings in accordance with governorate and national law (Yemen Constitution, Article 51) and may have recourse to the Appellate Court or Supreme Court, as warranted. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -10-13 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) The person or entity undertaking external monitoring will also assist in ensuring that affected persons are aware of means available to them for raising complaints, and will report on the effectiveness of the grievance management system. 10.5.3 Organizational arrangements for grievance review and appeal Organizational arrangements for grievance redress will be established at four levels as follows:  Grievances redress committee within PIU: it will consist of PIU director, social specialist and a third person acting as adjudicator.  Grievances redress committee at governorate level: A GRM committee will be established in each governorate. It will consist of governor, vice governor and a secretary.  Grievances redress committee at district level: A GRM committee will established in each district. It will consist of the district head and two elected local council members.  Villager’s representative committee: The committee will be the lowest level of organization receiving the complaints from the people within the village. Grievance Redress Management System (GRMS) Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -10-14 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) 10.5.4 Performance standards for responding to grievances The PAP can send their complaints directly to any of the committees described above. Upon initial receipt of oral or written complaints, the responsible contact person conducts an initial review of relevant circumstances and provides an initial response to the affected person within 15 days. If additional time is needed for discussions or negotiations, the governorate responds to the affected person with a recommendation for resolution within an additional 15 days (or 30 days from the time of complaint receipt). If resolution is not achieved or imminent at the level receiving the complaints within 30 days of receipt, or if the affected person is not satisfied with the recommended action reached, the complaint is elevated to the next higher level grievance committee. The committee should seek any additional information it deems relevant and respond to the affected person within 30 days after receipt of the complaint. Of course, the higher level grievance committee may take additional time to address a complaint in circumstances in which the affected person agrees that additional discussion or negotiation may be warranted. 10.5.5 Recording grievances and status of response The designated contact person within each of the committee bears primary responsibility for recording receipt of each complaint, whether received orally or in writing. At the end of each month, each committee reports to the PIU grievance committee on the number and subject of new complaints received, and the status of complaints, if any, that remain under resolution. The report also informs the grievance committee of complaints that could not be resolved at the local level and are being elevated to the PIU committee’s attention. The PIU grievance committee each month aggregates information received from the lower level committees into a status report, indicating the number and subject of complaints in the system (including active complaints at both the governorate and PIU committee level). The monthly status report also provides up-to-date information on the number and subject of complaints that have been resolved, and the manner in which they have been resolved. The monthly status reports are made available for external monitoring and to the World Bank for project supervision and project evaluation purposes. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page -10-15 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) ANNEXURES TO ESIA Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page A- 1 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Annexure-3.1 World Health Organization Ambient Air Quality Guidelines Parameters Averaging Period Guideline value in mg/m3 Sulfur dioxide (SO2) 24-hour 125 (Interim target-1) 10 minute 50 (Interim target-2) 20 (guideline) 500 (guideline Nitrogen dioxide (NOx) 1-year 40 (guideline) 1-hour 200 (guideline) Particulate Matter 1-year 70 (Interim target-1) PM10 24-hour 50 (Interim target-2) 30 (Interim target-3) 20 (guideline) 150 (Interim target-1) 100 (Interim target-2) 75 (Interim target-3) 50 (guideline) Particulate Matter 1-year 35 (Interim target-1) PM2.5 24-hour 25 (Interim target-2) 15 (Interim target-3) 10 (guideline) 75 (Interim target-1) 50 (Interim target-2) 37.5 (Interim target-3) 25 (guideline) Ozone 8-hour daily 160 (Interim target-1) maximum 100 (guideline) *Source: Air Quality Guidelines Global Update, World Health Organization (WHO), 2005 Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page A- 2 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Annexure-3.2 Ambient Noise Monitoring Standards One Hour LAeq (dB(A)) Area/Class Daytime Night Time 07:00 AM- 22:00 PM 22:00 PM-07:00 AM Residential, Institutional and 55 45 Educational Areas Industrial and Commercial 70 70 Areas *Source: Guidelines for Community Noise, World Health Organization (WHO), 1999 Note: 1. Guidelines values are for noise levels measured out of doors. 2. LAeq (dB(A)) denotes the time weighted average of the level of decibels on scale A which is related to Human Beings 3. A “decibel” is the unit in which noise is measured 4. “A” in dB (A) Leq, denotes the frequency weighted in the measurement of the noise corresponds to frequency response characteristics of the human ear. 5. Leq: It is an energy means of the noise level over a specified period. Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page A- 3 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Annexure-3.3 Yemeni Standards for Drinking Water Quality S. No. Parameters Unit Maximum Value Physical Characteristics 1. Colour 15 2. Turbidity, NTU 05 3. Temperature °C 25 4. pH Value 6.5-9.0 5. Conductivity (µmhos/cm) 2500 Chemical Characteristics 1. Total Dissolved Solids mg/l 1500 2. Total Hardness mg/l 500 3. Bicarbonate mg/l 500 4. Chloride mg/l 600 5. Sulphate mg/l 400 6. Calcium mg/l 200 7. Magnesium mg/l 30-150 8. Sodium mg/l 400 9. Potassium mg/l 12 10. Iron mg/l 01 11. Manganese mg/l 0.2 12. Copper mg/l 01 13. Zinc mg/l 15 14. Aluminium mg/l 0.2 15. Nickel mg/l 0.02 Toxic Organic Pollutants 1. Parathion mg/l 0.0035 2. Endrin mg/l 0.0002 3. Lindane mg/l 0.004 4. Methoxychlor mg/l 0.01 5. Toxaphene mg/l 0.0002 6. Malathion mg/l 0.19 7. Dimethoate mg/l 0.0002 8. Diazinon mg/l 0.02 9. Hexachlor Cylohexan mg/l 0.04 10. Acetic Acid mg/l 0.1 11. Propionic Acid mg/l 0.01 Toxicants 1. Lead mg/l 0.05 2. Selenium mg/l 0.01 3. Arsenic mg/l 0.01 4. Chromium mg/l 0.05 5. Cyanide mg/l 0.1 6. Cadmium mg/l 0.005 Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page A- 4 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) S. No. Parameters Unit Maximum Value 7. Mercury mg/l 0.001 8. Barium mg/l 0.5-1.0 9. Silver mg/l 0.01-0.1 10. Fluorine mg/l 1.5-0.5 11. Antimony mg/l 0.005 12. Barium mg/l 0.3-0.1 13. Total Trihalomethans µg 150 Chemical Pollutants 1. Nitrate mg/l 10-50 2. Ammonium mg/l 0.3-0.5 3. Nitrite mg/l 02 4. Phosphate mg/l 0.5 Radioactive Materials 1. Beta (β) emitters Becquerel (Bq) 0.1 2. Alpha (α) emitters Becquerel (Bq) 01 Microbiological Contaminants 1. Faecal Coliforms Cell/100 ml 10-15 Note:  30 mg/l if Sulphate is 250 mg/l and more and 150 mg/l if Sulphate is less than 250 mg/l.  Total pesticides must not exceed than 0.1 mg/l.  Includes Chloroform, Bromoform, Bromide, Chloromethane, Dibromochloromethane Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page A- 5 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Annexure 4.1 a) Small Surface Water Resources S. No Land plot no location Land use Taiz 1 Unused land 97 1.1 Water pass 2 Unused land 85 1.1 Water pass 3 Unused land 76 1.1 Water pass 4 Cash crop 36 1.1 Water pass 5 Cash crop 37 1.1 Water pass 6 Unused land 79 1.1 Water pass 7 Unused land 80 1.1 Water pass 8 Unused land 91 2 Water pass 9 Unused land 92 2 Water pass 10 Unused land 87 2 Water pass 11 Unused land 13 2.35 Water pass 12 Unused land 14 3.63 Water pass 13 Unused land 15 3.65 Water pass 14 Unused land 17 3.85 Water pass 15 Cropland 18 3.88 Water pass 16 Unused land 90 4.05 Water pass 17 Crop cash 26 4.075 Water pass 18 Unused land 136 4.515 Water pass 19 Waters land 6 4.56 Water pass 20 Unused land 37 4.575 Water pass 21 Unused land 38 4.795 Water pass 22 Cash crop 187 a 4.925 Water pass 23 Unused land 120 5.025 Water pass 24 Unused land 39 5.05 Water pass 25 Unused land 74 6.025 Water pass 26 (Unused land) land area 2 6.09 Water pass 27 Unused land 138 6.31 Water pass 28 Cropland 119 6.65 Water pass 29 Cash land 175a 6.775 Water pass 30 Cropland 134 6.87 Water pass 31 Unused land 48 7.475 Water pass 32 Unused land 64,145 7.5 Water pass 33 Unused land 190 8.41 Water pass 34 Unused land 168 8.46 Water pass 35 Unused land 205 8.5 Water pass 36 Unused land 164 8.5 Water pass 37 Unused land 229 8.55 Water pass 38 Unused land 211 8.6 Water pass 39 Unused land 169 8.625 Water pass 40 Unused land 198 8.625 Water pass 41 Cropland 792 9.325 Water pass 42 Unused land 197 9.325 Water pass 43 Unused land 182 9.735 Water pass Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page A- 6 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) S. No Land plot no location Land use Taiz 44 Unused land 182 9.885 Water pass 45 Unused land 199 9.975 Water pass 46 Cropland 994 10.3 Water pass 47 Unused land 200 10.3 Water pass 48 Unused land 196 10.39 Water pass 49 Unused land 170 10.425 Water pass 50 Unused land 188 10.575 Water pass 51 Unused land 207 10.625 Water pass 52 Unused land 173 11.575 Water pass 53 Unused land 209 12.425 Water pass 54 Unused land 183 12.5 Water pass 55 Unused land 357 12.634 Water pass 56 Unused land 174 12.9 Water pass 57 Unused land 304 12.9 Water pass 58 Unused land 304 12.9 Water pass 59 Unused land 291 13.4 Water pass 60 Unused land 305 14.275 Water pass 61 Unused land 285 14.75 Water pass 62 Unused land 299 14.925 Water pass 63 Unused land 75 a 15.5 Water pass 64 Unused land 5 15.56 Water pass 65 Unused land 40 16.225 Water pass 66 Waters land 3 16.45 Water pass 67 Unused land 41 16.595 Water pass 68 Unused land 43 16.77 Water pass 69 Unused land 49 16.77 Water pass 70 Unused land 140 16.875 Water pass 71 Unused land 50 16.89 Water pass 72 Unused land 65 17.625 Water pass 73 Unused land 50 17.7 Water pass 74 Cropland 37 17.925 Water pass 75 Cropland 32 18.875 Water pass 76 Unused land 53 19.29 Water pass 77 Unused land 52 19.3 Water pass 78 Unused land 54 19.76 Water pass 79 Unused land 55 20.425 Water pass 80 Unused land 58 20.87 Water pass 81 Unused land 57 22.3 Water pass 82 Unused land 60 22.588 Water pass 83 Unused land 130 22.8 Water pass 84 Cropland 171 22.9 Water pass 85 Unused land 146 22.925 Water pass 86 Cropland 263 22.95 Water pass 87 Cropland 604 23.025 Water pass 88 Cropland 48 23.05 Water pass Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page A- 7 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) S. No Land plot no location Land use Taiz 89 Unused land 155 23.35 Water pass 90 Unused land 186 23.45 Water pass 91 Unused land 181 23.6 Water pass 92 Unused land 203 23.825 Water pass 93 Unused land 190 23.825 Water pass 94 9 unused land 23.85 Water pass 95 Unused land 212 23.95 Water pass 96 Unused land 172 24.025 Water pass 97 Unused land 213 24.475 Water pass 98 Unused land 189 24.675 Water pass 99 Unused land 162 24.95 Water pass 100 Cash crop 256 24.95 Water pass 101 Cropland 191 25.25 Water pass 102 Cropland 219 25.325 Water pass 103 Unused land 220 25.325 Water pass 104 Cropland 1106 25.525 Water pass 105 Cropland 653 26 Water pass 106 Unused land 214 26.16 Water pass 107 Unused land 173 26.275 Water pass 108 Unused land 194 26.35 Water pass 109 Unused land 208a 26.525 Water pass 110 Unused land 173 26.925 Water pass 111 Unused land 209 26.96 Water pass 112 Unused land 189 27.05 Water pass 113 Unused land 225 27.05 Water pass 114 Unused land 180 27.1 Water pass 115 Unknown land 35 27.21 Water pass 116 Cash crop 556 27.275 Water pass 117 Cash crop 176 27.55 Water pass 118 Unused land 278 27.575 Water pass 119 Unused land 279 27.625 Water pass 120 Unused land 276 27.8 Water pass 121 Unused land 281 28.625 Water pass 122 Crop 1422 28.675 Water pass 123 Unused land 273 28.96 Water pass 124 Unused land 274 28.98 Water pass 125 Unused land 271 29.18 Water pass 126 Unused land 11 29.55 Water pass 127 Cash cropland 60 30.125 Water pass 128 Cash crop 24 30.225 Water pass 129 Unused land 22 30.225 Water pass 130 Cash crop 463 a ‫تاعورزم دجوتال‬ 30.425 Water pass 131 Cropland 23 31.875 Water pass 132 Unused land 116 31.9 Water pass 133 Unused land 27 32.15 Water pass Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page A- 8 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) S. No Land plot no location Land use Taiz 134 Unused land 28 33.08 Water pass 135 Unused land 30 33.275 Water pass 136 Unused land 118 33.7 Water pass 137 Unused land 31 33.775 Water pass 138 Unused land 73 34.61 Water pass 139 A cash crop 169 34.615 Water pass 140 Unused land 32 35.81 Water pass 141 Cash 170a 35.98 Water pass 142 33 unused land 36.26 Water pass Lahj 143 Watershed 17 42.625 Waterway 144 Watershed 18 43.225 Waterway 145 Watershed 19 44.125 Waterway 146 Unknown land 74 44.6 Waterway 147 Unknown land 75 45.515 Waterway 148 Unknown land 77 45.55 Waterway 149 Unknown land 79 45.65 Waterway 150 Watershed 20 50.4 Water cross 151 Watershed 16 50.45 Water cross 152 Watershed 15 51.625 Water cross 153 Watershed 14 53.4 Water cross 154 Land area 2 53.925 Water cross 155 Water shade 10 60.55 Water cross 156 Water shad 13 61.35 Water cross 157 Watershed 22 61.375 Water cross 158 Watershed 23 63.125 Water cross 159 Watershed 24 65.075 Water cross 160 Watershed 12 67.25 Water cross 161 Cropland 220 75.375 Water cross 162 Water course 87.225 Water cross 163 Water shade area 4 87.75 Water cross 164 Seasonal water course 89.075 Water cross 165 Seasonal water course 90.55 Water cross 166 Seasonal water course 127.975 Water cross Aden - - - - Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page A- 9 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) b) Access to Ground Water Resources S.No Land plot no location Land use TAIZ 1 Cropland 403A 76A 1.925 Well 2 Cropland 48 4.575 Well 3 Cropland 686 19.28 Well 4 Unused land 212 21.375 Well 5 Cropland 791 23.025 Well 6 Manmade 107 23.125 Residential + well 7 Cropland 779A 23.425 Well 8 Cash crop 431 24 Well 9 cropland 1098 24.575 Well 10 Manmade 89 25.125 Pump room 11 Manmade 77 25.375 Pump room 12 manmade 1 29.2 Well 13 Cropland 874 29.85 Well 14 Manmade 24 31 Well LAHJ 15 Building 5 44.2 Pump room ADEN - - - - Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page A- 10 M I N I S T R Y O F P U B L I C W O R K S A N D H I G H W A Y S ( M P W H ) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) c) Species wise Trees to be Affected along the Project Alignment Number of Trees Pomegranate Other Trees Total Banana Apricot Orange Papaya Pepper Mango Lemon Guava Apple Palm Governorate District Figs Qat Aden Daar Sad 0 0 0 0 0 0 Sub-Total 0.00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Lahj Almosaimer 22013 3 6795 145 87 10 450 28 13 3 2954700 Tuban 956 17 175 220 2 30 37 1437 Sub-Total 30984 0 22013 3 7751 162 87 185 670 0 2 58 50 3 0 30984 Taiz Al Taiziah 0 3453 1 2471 2 16 2 2 21 280 6248 Mawiyah 8 386584 10 8657 358 66 2 122 5 7 24 395843 Sub-Total 402091 8 390037 11 11128 360 82 2 124 2 0 5 0 28 304 402091 Total 433075 8 412050 14 18879 522 169 187 794 2 2 63 50 31 304 433075 Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page A- 11 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Annexure 4.2 Detailed Land use maps of the project road alignment Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page A- 12 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Annexure 5.1 List of Participants Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page A- 13 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page A- 14 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page A- 15 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page A- 16 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page A- 17 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page A- 18 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page A- 19 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page A- 20 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page A- 21 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page A- 22 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page A- 23 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page A- 24 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page A- 25 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page A- 26 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page A- 27 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) Annexure 10.1 Draft Agreement between MPWH and EPA ===================================== Partnership Agreement between the Ministry of Public Works and Highways, PIU for the Corridor Highway and Yemen Environment Protection Authority, Ministry of Water and Environment Republic of Yemen Background and Context The Government of Yemen started in 2003 to conceptualize and design a completely new dual carriageway highway between Aden and the border with Saudi Arabia (“Saada–Aden Yemen International Corridor Highway” or “SAYICH”). The new highway will provide the country with a 710 km long North-South route that will adequately serve its current and future transport needs. Detailed and in-depth studies to select the best overall highway alignment and the most appropriate technical design solutions were carried out between 2003 and 2005 by the GoY using international consultants. The first section of the new highway to be built is between Aden and Taiz, with a length of 140 km. (i) The Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia agreed in early 2013 to fund the construction of the first 85 km of this section between the city of Taiz and the locality of Noubat Dokaim. Loan and Grant Agreements totaling US$ 320 million were signed between the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) and the GoY in March 2013. The tender for the construction of these 85 km was formally launched on June 30, 2013. It is expected that contracts for the civil works can be awarded before end of 2013 and construction works will start early in 2014. (ii) The World Bank (IDA) is expected to fund the remaining 55 km section between Noubat Dokaim and Aden through a Grant of US$ 150 million. (iii) The Government of Yemen is in the process of identifying additional sources of financing for the sections of the SAYICH to the North of Taiz. Environmental Impacts of SAYICH and its management The construction of the new dual carriageway highway along a new alignment will have significant environmental impacts. These could include increased levels of pollutant emissions, though the reduction in congestion may actually lead to lower emissions, when compared to the situation without the project. Of particular concern could be increased levels of noise close to sensitive receptors like hospitals, mosques, or schools located close to the proposed alignment. Other impacts would depend on the location and terrain – such as erosion on slopes in the hilly/mountainous regions, changes to drainage in valleys, etc. Other impacts on the people and their properties are also envisaged. The MPWH has commissioned Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page A- 28 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) to study these impacts. The ESIA will systematically identify, and appropriately manage these impacts through a hierarchy of avoidance, minimization and compensation/ mitigation in case of adverse impacts and enhancement in case of positive impacts, in line with applicable Yemeni law as well as the World Bank’s policies. In line with the Law no. 26 of 1995 and subsequent bylaw 148 of 2000, the MPWH has been working with the EPA to ensure that the legal requirements for managing these important issues are being met in a timely manner during the course of the preparation of the ESIA for the Aden-Taiz section. Both parties have realized the advantages of early and candid interaction and have come to the following understanding regarding strengthening their partnership: Purpose of the Agreement This agreement is being entered into to ensure that the SAYICH program is prepared and implemented fully in line with applicable Yemeni environmental laws and World Bank’s environmental policies. Roles and Responsibilities MoPWH as the project OWNER: a) Shall prepare the Terms of Reference for Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) studies for each road section included in the Program; b) Shall supervise the consultant hired for such ESIA to ensure that the process and outputs address the Terms of Reference; c) Shall share the outputs with EPA in a timely manner to ensure its review and clearance, with any conditions that the review may identify as necessary; d) Shall cause the Contractor selected for implementation of each road section in compliance with the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for that section; e) Shall facilitate the review of implementation of the ESMP provisions by the EPA in line with the timeline agreed for each section, a format for which is placed at Annex 1, in advance, preferably at the time of the approval of the ESIA; f) Shall cause the Contractor to undertake reasonable steps to ensure that any shortcomings identified during the review of implementation are dealt with in line with applicable laws/guidelines/policies; g) Shall bear the costs of the logistics involved – such as site visits, sample collection and analysis, and also costs of mitigation measures agreed for implementation for environmental protection/enhancement YEPA as the custodian of Yemen’s environmental resources: a) Shall ensure that the reviews it is mandated to carry out are completed in a timely manner once it receives the necessary information and documentation; b) Shall provide timely advice and/or instructions as necessary to facilitate the ESIA preparation in line with applicable Yemeni laws; Final ESIA/EMP of April. 08, 2014| Page A- 29 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (MPWH) Republic of Yemen Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environment & Social Management Plan (ESMP) report for Yemen International Corridor Highway Project section between Taiz and the city of Aden (140 km) c) Shall review and, where applicable, clear the ESIA and ESMP for each road section presented to it by the MoPWH; d) Shall participate in reviews, including site visits as agreed with MoPWH, during implementation to confirm that the ESMP is being implemented in an acceptable manner; e) Shall provide clear and timely advice in cases where it observes deviations from the requirements set out in the applicable laws/policies/guidelines; f) Shall confirm that the agreed action plans for any corrections are realistic and implementable as well as, where agreed with MoPWH in advance, that these are being implemented. 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