Environmental Issues
The Project is categorised as environmental category “B” and an initial environmental examination (IEE) with a detailed environmental management plan (EMP) was prepared in accordance with the ADB's Safeguard Policy Statement (2009). The IEE concludes that no significant adverse environmental impacts are anticipated. The project's significant environmental benefits will include protection of the fragile aquifer, improved hygiene and sanitary conditions , improved waste water treatment and disposal, improved ecosystem health resulting from reduced discharge of waste water into sensitive areas and reduced water loses from the currently inefficient water distribution system. Mitigation measures and monitoring plans have been proposed in the EMP. The EMP will be implemented & monitored by PMCIU. Project Engineering and institutional consultants will assist the PMCIU in ensuring implementation of the EMP.
The Ministry of Water Supply & Drainage through National Water Supply & Drainage Board as the executing agency is responsible to obtain all Government Clearances including the approvals from the Coast Conservation Department, Central Environmental Authority and respective local authorities as applicable prior to initiation of any construction, and any required approvals for the operation of the facilities.
The Design & Supervision consultant (DSC) team shall also include an environmental specialist and the DSC team shall update the IEE and EMP as necessary during implementation and submit for ADB's approval. The bidding documents for the construction works shall include the requirement by the contractor to adhere to the EMP and Environmental Monitoring plan. The NWSDB, the project management , Coordination & Implementation Unit (PMCIU) with the assistance from the Design & Supervision consultants shall be responsible to ensure that the contractor adheres to the EMP during construction. During operations the NWSDB, as the operator of the schemes will be responsible to implement the required long term environmental monitoring. NWSDB will provide annual EMP implementation progress reports to ADB.
