SECTOR GUIDELINES FOR

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) FOR

ROADS DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN RWANDA
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

FOREWORD AND DISCLAIMER

The Organic Law No. 04/2005 of 08/04/2005 determining the modalities of protection,
conservation and promotion of environment in Rwanda, requires all projects to be
subjected to environmental impact assessment, at various scales. This is consistent with
the National Constitution, the Vision 2020, and the environmental sustainability principles
enshrined in Agenda 21 and the Millennium Development Goals, especially MDG 7, to
which Rwanda subscribes. In order to operationalize these provisions, the Government of
Rwanda, through REMA, embarked on putting in place subsidiary legislations and
attendant instruments. To this effect, we have developed EIA Regulations and General
EIA guidelines. This document is intended to serve as a guideline, which provides
recommended approaches and formats for the preparation of a comprehensive EIA report
on proposed housing projects.
These sector-specific Guidelines for the Road construction, rehabilitation and upgrading
recognize the role that the road networks play in Rwanda’s development process and
underscore the need to ensure that these developments continue to take place in harmony
with environmental aspirations. REMA is optimistic that these guidelines will further
clarify the purpose of EIA and facilitate all actors involved in the EIA process for road
development, to improve the quality of EIA processes.
This guide should be used together with other EIA instruments developed by REMA i.e.
the general guidelines, the regulations and standards, as well as other sector-specific
guidelines. It is also meant to be used alongside various other policy and legislation
documents relating to housing projects. It should be used with flexibility, as a solid base of
practical information to stimulate developer innovation.
These guidelines have been made at a time when development processes are highly
dynamic. While they are an authentic administrative tool, they will never-the-less be
subjected to technical and public review at a time it is deemed appropriate.

Dr. Rose Mukankomeje

Director General, REMA

_______________________________________________________________________________ 1
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Cumulative impacts/effects: The total effects on the same aspect of the environment resulting
from a number of activities or projects.
Developer/Developer: The entity, person, company/agency proposing to
develop/implement/install a new project/sub-project or expand an existing road construction or
rehabilitation project.
Direct impacts: An effect on the environment brought about directly by the project.
Disclosure: Information availability to all stakeholders at all stages of the development.
Environment: The totality of the natural (physical and biological componets) and societal
(cultural, social, economic, political) components and processes that define our surroundings.
Environment Assessment (EA): Includes environmental reviews, environmental scans, initial
environmental examinations, environmental audits, etc.
Environmental impact assessment (EIA): A systematic, comprehensive, logical process of
analysis of a project and its effects (positive and negative) on the environment based on
prevailing baseline conditions and a description of the mitigative actions that will be carried out
in order to avoid or minimize these negative effects.
Environmental Impact Statement: Report submitted to the authority by the developer stating
the likely impacts of the proposed project, as well as measures for mitigating or managing the
environmental impacts during the project development and operation.
Environmental monitoring: describes follow-up activities and decisions on a regular basis to
ensure the development and operational activities of the project comply with the conditions
agreed upon in the environmental management plan.
Impact: A positive or negative effect that the project is likely to have on any aspect of the
biophysical and/ or socio-economic environment.
Indirect impact: A positive or negative effect that the project indirectly has on an aspect of the
environment
Involuntary resettlement: The forceful loss of land / resources that requires individuals,
families and / or groups to move and resettle elsewhere.
Lead Agency: The agency with primary responsibility. For instance, the lead agency for
environmental matters in Rwanda is REMA.
Mitigation measures: The actions identified or proposed to negate or minimize the negative
environmental impact that a project may have on the environment.

Pollution: Contamination altering the state of purity (e.g. chemical effluent discharge into a
surface water body).

_______________________________________________________________________________ 2
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

Project and sub-project: A set of planned activities designed to achieve specific objectives
within a given area and time frame. With respect to hydroelectric development projects, the
terminology can be confusing.
Project Brief: The initial submitted document to REMA to initiate the process that will lead to
the issuance of the EIA certificate of approval.
Scoping: This refers to the initial stage in an environmental assessment that determines the
major environmental parameters which are likely to be affected and the aspects of the project
that may cause these effects.
Reviewing: Is an assessment of the so far submitted project details by an environmental agency
to decide as to whether there are gaps to be answered.
Screening: An initial step when a project is being considered for environmental assessment. The
screening is the determination of the level of assessment that will be conducted. In the case of
GoR, screening will place the project into one of three environmental categories (I, II, or III). At
this stage, it may be decided that the project does not require a full EIA and therefore can
proceed based on the Project Brief recommendations.
Stakeholder: A person, group(s) of persons or institutions who have an interest in the project,
and who will be directly or indirectly affected by the project activities.

Cover photos: Marrum road in Akagera National Park, June 2008; Ruhengeri-Gisenyi Road, July 2008; by C. Twesigye-Bakwatsa

_______________________________________________________________________________ 3
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

AfDB African Development Bank

ASSTEP Public Works Contracts Management Agency
CBD Convention on Biological Diversity
CDF Common Development Fund
CMS Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species
COMESA Common Markets for Eastern and Southern Africa
DEO District Environment Officers
DFID UK’s Department for International Development and Social Affairs
EA Environmental Assessment or Analysis
EAC East African Community
EDPRS Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
EIR Environmental Impact Review
ElS Environment Impact Statement
EMP Environmental Management Plan
FIs Financial Institutions
GEF Global Environmental Facility
GoR Government of Rwanda
GTZ German Technical Cooperation
HIMO Labour Intensive Public Works Programme (French Acronym)
IDA International Development Association
IFC International Finance Corporation
IMF International Monetary Fund
IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on climate change
IPM Integrated Pest Management
MININFRA Ministry of Infrastructures
MINALOC Ministry of Local Government
MINICOFIN Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning
NBI Nile Basin Initiative
NEPAD New Partnership for Africa’s Development
NGOs Non Government Organisations
PRA Participatory Rural Appraisal
RAP Resettlement Action Plan
REMA Rwanda Environment Management Authority
RURA Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority
SOPs Standard Operating Procedures
TIG Travaux des Interets Generaux
ToR Terms of Reference
RBS Rwanda Bureau of Standards

_______________________________________________________________________________ 4
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword and Disclaimer................................................................................................................ 1
GLOSSARY OF TERMS ............................................................................................................... 2
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ....................................................................................... 4
Table of Contents............................................................................................................................ 5
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................... 7
1.1 General context ..................................................................................................................... 7
1.2 Road Scheme Project Cycle.................................................................................................. 7
1.2 Why the EIA Process? ........................................................................................................ 8
1.3 Purpose of the Road sector EIA Guidelines ......................................................................... 9
Chapter 2: POLICY, LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAME WORK .................................. 11
2.1 Policy framework................................................................................................................ 11
2.2 Legal and regulatory framework......................................................................................... 13
2.3 Institutional Framework...................................................................................................... 13
CHAPTER 3: EIA PROCESS ...................................................................................................... 14
3.1 Illustrative Summary of the Roads EIA Process................................................................. 14
3.2 Project brief preparation and submission............................................................................ 15
3.3 Screening............................................................................................................................. 15
3.3.1 What and when is screening?..........................................................................................15
3.3.2 Basic EIA Considerations for Road Development Projects ...........................................16
3.3.3. Road Categories and EIA requirements.........................................................................17
3. 4. Scoping (Environmental Impact Assessment - Phase 1) .................................................. 19
3.5 Terms of References for EIA............................................................................................. 21
3.6 EIA Study............................................................................................................................ 21
3.6.1 Basic Issues to be included in the Road Project EIA Study ...........................................21
3.6.2 Composition and Qualifications of the EIA Team of Experts........................................22
3.7 The Environmental Management Plan................................................................................ 22
3.8 Public Participation / Consultation Process ........................................................................ 24
3.8.1 General considerations....................................................................................................24
3.8.2 Precautions for public consultations ...............................................................................24
3.9 Post-EIA Monitoring and Audit.......................................................................................... 25
3.10 EIA Reporting................................................................................................................... 26
3.10.1 General outline of an EIA report ..................................................................................26
3.10.2 Submission of Reports ..................................................................................................27
3.11 Approval or disapproval ................................................................................................... 27
4. ANNEXES................................................................................................................................ 28
Annex 1: Checklist for Environmental Screening for a Road Scheme/ Project ....................... 28
Annex 2: Key Information to be included in the Project Brief................................................. 30
Annex 3: Sample ToRs for Road Development Projects.......................................................... 32
Annex 4: Checklist for Identification of Environmental Impacts............................................. 36
Annex 5: Checklist of Environmental Management Activities for Each Phase of a Road
Scheme...................................................................................................................................... 40
Annex 6: Evaluation Matrix of Impacts for Different Alternatives.......................................... 41
_______________________________________________________________________________ 5
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

Annex 7: Key Content to be included in the EIA Report ......................................................... 42

Annex 8: Format of a typical EMP ........................................................................................... 48
Annex 9. Key Institutions in EIA for Road Development Projects in Rwanda........................ 51
References..................................................................................................................................... 53

_______________________________________________________________________________ 6
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 General context

Roads are one of the most economically important infrastructures in Rwanda, given the fact that
more than 95% of the country’s international trade is handled by land and there are hardly any
land alternatives (such as railway). Internal communication is also almost exclusively by road.
Yet the terrain and the economy of Rwanda are such that developing roads is a very costly
venture both financially and environmentally. The effects include pollution from vehicles,
chemical spills from trucks, displacement of wildlife and vegetation due to construction of new
roads and disturbance of hydrological cycles.

Road construction and upgrading have tremendous environmental impact if not carefully done. It
involves heavy earth excavation, burning of fossil fuels, noise and destruction of vegetation and
trampling of the earth. Air pollution is increasing and very much linked to health problems
including cancer, bronchitis among others.

1.2 Road Scheme Project Cycle

A road scheme may take any of the following:

1) Opening up a new road, whether asphalt paved or earth;
2) Re-constructing an existing road i.e. excavating and replacing an existing layer;
3) Upgrading an existing road – could be expanding an existing road and/ or paving an existing
earth road (from earth to tarmac road);
4) Rehabilitating an existing road through maintenance activities such as patching broken parts,
reconstructing the drainage systems, constructing turnouts, etc.

In general, road projects follow 4 well-defined phases, starting with planning and feasibility
studies, then preliminary design, detailed design, contract preparation and tendering, and
construction, and finally, operation and maintenance. For all road projects, an essential first step
is to identify and consult relevant government agencies and the public likely to be affected
(whether positively or negatively). It is important to note that EIA is project and site specific, and
so it can only be undertaken once the project concept is clear including the route, road size,
length, and other features. Because of the different activities and seasons in each phase of project
development, environmental impacts vary by phase. The project cycle is described so as to
identify key areas where and which environmental issues are likely to manifest and figure out
how to address them in each project cycle phase. The project cycle is summarised in figure 1.

_______________________________________________________________________________ 7
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
1: Planning, Feasibility Studies &
preliminary Design Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road 2. Detailed Projects
Construction design, contracting &
________________________________________________________________________________________
tendering
 Reconnaissance of the selected route &  Property compensation procedure for
alternatives; site and identification of alternative those being evicted (expropriated) from
sites the site prior to site excavation and
 Pre-feasibility Studies of the projected route and construction works.
alternatives;  Pollution generation control and
 Feasibility Studies of the chosen route. management during the construction

4. Operation and Maintenance ( re-modeling) 3. Construction phase (use & maintenance):

 Traffic management, including noise &  Pollution generation, control and management
oil/fuel spills; at each of the housing units; at other
 Closure or limited use during maintenance & installations or premises linked to or servicing
repair activities; the housing unit/ estate;
 Managing socio-economic & cultural
externalities like urbanisation, population
migration, changing livelihoods & economic
activity, as a result of new or upgraded road.

Figure 1: Phases/ Project Cycle of a Road Scheme and associated environmental impacts.

1.2 Why the EIA Process?

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is a recent phenomenon when it comes to Government

agencies but has been used since the early 1970s by international development agencies, as
concern for environmental and social impact of large scale infrastructure projects increased.
Subsequently, EIA legislation and standard guidelines development have been shaped by
agencies which have developed sector- and sometimes area-specific EIA guidelines. These
agencies include the World Bank; the United States Agency for International Development
(USAID); African Development Bank (AfDB); Asian Development Bank (ADB); Organisation
for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the Inter-American Development
Bank (IADB) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The main purpose of EIA in road development is to identify the positive and negative impacts of
a proposed road project on the natural and human environment and then to formulate appropriate
remedial/ mitigation measures to avoid/minimize adverse negative impacts and to enhance
beneficial impacts. The EIA process can help develop more environmentally friendly road
projects by reducing negative environmental impacts through alternative approaches, design
modifications, and remedial measures.

_______________________________________________________________________________ 8
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

1.3 Purpose of the Road sector EIA Guidelines

Roads are one of the most important infrastructure developments in Rwanda, and by their nature,
they have potentially disastrous environmental impacts. Hence there is need for EIA guidelines
to ensure that such infrastructure developments are pursued in environmentally friendly and
sustainable way.
Since around 2001 when the emergency post-genocide rehabilitation ended, the Government of
Rwanda embarked on long-term development, often including large scale infrastructure
developments. Accordingly, the number and scale of national and district road projects has
increased in considerably, leading to a significant increase in the number of Environmental
Impact Studies to be undertaken for roads. With the enactment of the Organic law on
environment (No. 04/2005 of 08/04/2005), these projects are increasingly being required to
address complex environmental issues.

The Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) along with MININFRA (Roads
Unit, ASSETP) and local authorities have recently made considerable efforts in strengthening
EIA capacity, through strict enforcement of laws; awareness raising and technical training in
partnership with major infrastructure donors.

These guidelines will help in ensuring that the lessons learned from these experiences are
integrated into future best practice in relation to EIA for road projects. National road projects, by
their nature, tend to be large, high profile projects extending over a substantial geographical area,
and involving huge funding. These schemes generally attract a high level of public interest,
making road projects multi-sectoral. The planning of national road schemes differs
fundamentally from other types of development in three principle ways:
 Road projects occur over long distances that typically cross through a number of different
environmental and administrative settings.
 Identification of significant environmental resources and avoidance of environmental
impacts is achieved during the constraints and route selection stages.
 An EIS for a road project needs to allow sufficient scope to cater for procurement
methods that sometimes provide scope for design input by the contractor after
development consent has been obtained. This may often involve the use of innovative
methods by the contractor to mitigate significant environmental impacts.

These reasons constitute the rationale for the development of sector-specific guidelines for the
preparation of a road EIS. The objective of these guidelines is to ensure that road EIAs continue
to follow correct statutory procedures while at the same time achieving quality and consistency
in the identification and mitigation of environmental impacts.

_______________________________________________________________________________ 9
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

These guidelines build on and attempt to reinforce the general EIA guidelines already developed
by REMA by focusing more specifically on the road infrastructure sector. These guidelines will
assist road developers, contractors, EIA practitioners and planners in the road sector, to:
a) ensure that road infrastructure development meets the statutory provisions of article 67 of
the organic law No. 04/2005 on environment, and associated subsidiary legislations;
b) provide a tool (e.g. a simple, clear document) that guides the EIA process so that EIA in
the road sector is satisfactory and cost-effective. To ensure this, these guidelines:
 provide basic information to be collected on biophysical, social, cultural and
economic parameters relevant for roads development, in each phase of the road
development project cycle;
 advise on the methodology for collecting and analyzing data;
 provide a generic framework for logically documenting and presenting the EIA
results (general report outline);
 provide basic guide on how to execute EIA activities including conducting public
hearings for multi-stakeholder projects like roads development;

Notice, however, that while these guidelines provide part of the quality assurance in EIA
activities (basic procedures and processes), they should in no way be used as excuse for illogical,
incompetent or poor quality EIA work/ outputs by proponents or their agents.
Finally, these guidelines are dynamic just as Rwanda’s economic transformation and
environmental governance are rapidly evolving – they are bound to be reviewed especially with
emerging regional and international cooperation, and new legislations coming up in areas
environment, natural resources, economic and infrastructure development. Continuous updates
will enable Rwanda to deal with new challenges.

_______________________________________________________________________________ 10
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

CHAPTER 2: POLICY, LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAME WORK

2.1 Policy framework

Since the end of the post-genocide emergency resettlement and rehabilitation metamorphosed
into a clearer, more coherent long-term development programme around 2000, the Government
of Rwanda (GoR) has made substantial investments in roads rehabilitation; reconstruction and
opening up of new roads, at the national level as well as within districts. The country has a road
network of more than 14,000 Km, of which 4.698 km are classified as national roads. More than
3,500 Km are gravel (MININFRA, 2008: Transport Sector Policy). Most national roads serve as
cross-border highways: Rusumo – Kigali serves as the main entrance to and through the country
from Tanzania; Gatuna-Kigali is the most popular and busy route from Uganda and Kenya, and
generally part of the northern corridor that serves the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
(DRC) and Burundi; Gisenyi-Ruhengeri-Kigali is the main entry into the country from the North
Kivu province of DRC, and major outlet of local, regional and international traffic into the DRC.

Roads are perhaps the most important post-conflict reconstruction and development intervention
that GoR has undertaken. Since 2000, more than 1000 Km of paved road has been rehabilitated,
reconstructed or constructed, linking Kigali city to all provincial towns and most major
secondary urban areas in Rwanda. This large scale investment in road construction, rehabilitation
and maintenance, has already yielded dividends – facilitating movement of people and goods
within and through Rwanda, which has contributed significantly to the more than 6% annual
economic growth.

But Road construction and maintenance in Rwanda is one of the most costly and difficult work,
considering the fact that roads constitute the main source of transport; and the steep and rugged
terrain in most parts of Rwanda. For this reason, Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is an
important aspect of sustainable road sector investments in Rwanda. The policy framework
guiding roads development in Rwanda currently entails the following:

1. The National transport policy highlights the main objective of the road sub-sector in Rwanda
as to Maintain, Rehabilitate and Develop the National Road Network, which is responsible for
more than 80% of human and goods traffic in the country. The policy’s strategies to meet these
objectives are:
a) expanding and improving Rwanda’s road infrastructure, protecting existing capital
investments, and improving road safety;
b) establishing an appropriate institutional framework for the accelerated development of
the road sub sector;
c) financing road maintenance works through multi-year maintenance contracts,
d) renewable under performance evaluation;
_______________________________________________________________________________ 11
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

e) encouraging community participation in road maintenance through the district

f) development committees;
g) improving the ability and quality of local road infrastructure, thereby enabling the rural
community to market its crops;
h) creating an environment conducive to the encouragement of Private Sector Participation
in rehabilitating, maintaining, and developing road infrastructure. Accordingly, a Road
Maintenance Fund was established to provide adequate, reliable financing for road
maintenance activities; and a Road Maintenance Strategy was formulated to guide the
process.

2. The Road Maintenance Strategy (RMS) of May 2008 emphasises routine maintenance as a
more cost-effective of establishing and managing road infrastructure;
The strategy aims to: a) provide a policy framework to guide RTB/Districts/ or Roads Agency
staff in maintenance programming, planning and execution; b) ensure that investments that are
made in the development of roads; c) ensure that infrastructures are safeguarded and allowed to
deliver their maximum benefit; and to allow all stakeholders to understand the investment
decisions taken by MININFRA.
The RMS lays emphasis on building capacity, fostering public-private partnerships and a long-
term project cycle involving multi-year contracts management. Environmental management is a
key aspect of the RMS, as this is critical for cost-effective road maintenance and rehabilitation.

Decentralisation Policy has, since 2001, effectively transferred power and service delivery
responsibilities from the central Government to districts. As a result of this policy, a lot of
financing for district roads and other infrastructure establishment are managed by districts,
through the Common Development Fund (CDF) and the Road Maintenance Fund. Under
decentralization, the District Departments of Infrastructure have the responsibility of executing
road maintenance procedures, with technical guidance from MININFRA. Districts are required
to undertake and report regularly, on road maintenance activities.

Land Policy 2004 emphasises productive use of land based on suitability of specific land units. It
also advocates for and entrenches land rights and tenure security by promoting land registration
and titling. For road scheme development, the implications of this policy relate to resettlement
and compensation; assessing the suitability of particular areas for road infrastructure; and the
influence of infrastructure development on the changing value and use of land.

The Environmental Protection, conservation and management policy 2004, seeks to integrate
environmental sustainability principles into all development processes, programmes and projects.
For roads, the nature of the terrain in Rwanda makes environmental issues (e.g. water runoff and
landslides), the main threats to sustainable road maintenance. The terrain and the settlement
patterns also indicate that roads – which are the most common mode of transport –could be a
potentially dangerous development, unless environmental and social considerations of human
safety, risk of losses, are prior anticipated, identified, analysed and integrated into the project
design and implementation. This underscores the importance of EIA in road projects.

_______________________________________________________________________________ 12
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

2.2 Legal and regulatory framework

The main national legislations that provide for and guide Environmental Impact Assessment
(EIA) for road infrastructure, and the provisions, thereof, include the following: National
Constitution of June 2003 obliges the Government of Rwanda - current and future – together
with the population, to carefully harness environmental resources in order to ensure
sustainability and inter-generational equity. The degree of relevance of these legislative
instruments varies with the activity and area, because environmental consequences of
development tend to be area and theme specific.

1. The Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda, June 2003: In particular, articles 29, 30, 49, 62,
88, 90, 93, 108, 118, 190, 191 and 201, make various provisions for environmental management-
from guaranteeing rights to a healthy environment for every citizen.

Organic Law No 04/2005 determining the modalities for the protection, conservation and
promotion of environment in Rwanda.

Organic Law No 08/2005 of 14/07/2005, determining use and management of land in Rwanda;

Law No 18/2007 of 19/04/2007 determining Expropriation in Public Interest in Rwanda;

Ministerial Instruction No. 02/UPPR/09 with respect to Excavations and restoration of public
infrastructure by communications and Infrastructure Service Providers (CISPs) operating in
Rwanda, April 21, 2009.

General Guidelines and Procedures for Environmental Impact Assessment of November 2006,
prepared by REMA.

2.3 Institutional Framework

The roads sector is an anchor to social and economic transformation, and for this reason, has
spider web-like networks with other sectors, including agriculture, international trade, local
governance, education, health; etc. The institutional framework for environmental impact
assessment in the roads construction and maintenance sector is, therefore, complex. The main
institutions involved and their roles are summarised in Annex 4.

_______________________________________________________________________________ 13
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

CHAPTER 3: EIA PROCESS

3.1 Illustrative Summary of the Roads EIA Process
The EIA for roads projects is a fairly complicated process as it often traverses many
administrative and ecosystem boundaries, and is a multi-stakeholder affair. Figure 2 summarises
the EIA process in a road scheme.

Figure 2: Graphic Illustration of the EIA process in the Roads Sector

_______________________________________________________________________________ 14
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

3.2 Project brief preparation and submission

The project brief provides information on the intended project, and provides the basis the
screening and on which the Authority designs or approves the EIA Terms of Reference (ToRs).
In preparing the project brief, it is important to identify, analyse and include the structure and
interests of the key actors in roads development depending the scale i.e. the Ministry responsible
for infrastructures (roads); the Ministry responsible for finance, the ministry responsible for
environment; the Authority (REMA) and the concerned Local Governments (where road is to be
constructed or pass). Include the donors and development partners.

The EIA team and the proponent should endeavour to simplify technical and engineering
information to levels easily comprehensible by non technical managers and decision makers.
The project brief should indeed be brief, no more than 10 pages for the most sophisticated
project including any attachments except technical drawings.

The project brief should present arguments of fact justifying the project, including the potential
benefits and the analysis of alternatives. Project motivations are important especially to inform
the analysis of costs and benefits and in considering trade-offs and future sustainability. Two
major questions should be asked and answered in the EIA viz:

i) What are the likely benefits and how will these be spread/ distributed? In other words,
who are the beneficiaries?; and secondly
ii) What are the alternatives, and what are the implications in terms of cost, social
acceptability, economic and ecological sustainability, and a conclusive argument proving
that the selected site and the project design are the best alternative?

An outline of the key information to be presented in the Project brief is attached as Annex 2.

3.3 Screening
3.3.1 What and when is screening?
Basically, Screening answers the question: Which roads projects require an Environmental
Impact Study? In other words, it’s about determining whether or not a project should be subject
to EIA. The term ‘Screening’ is used to describe the process of ascertaining whether a road
scheme requires an EIA. In Rwanda, it is determined by reference to mandatory and
discretionary provisions of Article 67 of the Organic Law No. 04/2005 on Environment; the Law
on Roads; and the General Guidelines for EIA Applications in Rwanda, 2008; among others.
The overriding consideration in determining whether a road project should be subject to EIA is
the likelihood of significant environmental impacts. Significant impacts may arise by virtue of

_______________________________________________________________________________ 15
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

the type of road project, the scale or extent of the road project and the location of the road project
in relation to sensitive ecosystems. In interpreting which projects are likely to have significant
environmental effects and for which projects is EIA mandatory or required, the road project
categories in section 3.3.2 should be reviewed. For "limited-impact-projects requiring limited
environmental analysis, the Ministry or Agency responsible for Roads or the RTB will prepare a
screening report;- For major-impact-projects, the RTB or Road Agency should develop terms of
reference, send them to the Authority for approval, undertake detailed EIA and obtain a
Certificate from the Authority.

3.3.2 Basic EIA Considerations for Road Development Projects

Detailed EIA study is required if the road project considered in its entirety meets any of the
following criteria:
a) In case of new construction (new alignment):
 All main highways and national roads
 All roads longer than 5 km and the road reserve is > 15 m and;

b) In case of rehabilitation, upgrading or other improvement:

 Upgrading of roads to provide 4 or more lanes (continuous section of 10 Km or more)
 The road reserve is > 15 m and the length of the road project is > 30 km;
 The road reserve is < 15 m and the length of the road project is > 60 km.

c) For all types of road projects:

 The road project or temporary infrastructure affects partly or completely more than 100
households;
 The road project or temporary infrastructure crosses a river on a distance of 300 m (or
less) inside the flood plain;
 The road project or temporary infrastructure is located along an existing river bank at a
distance of less than 30 m and on a total length of more than 100 m;
 The road project or temporary infrastructure is located 10 km from or within national
parks, conservation areas or forest reserves;
 The road project crosses a sensitive area.

For purposes of these guidelines, 'sensitive areas' are defined as:

 Areas covering more than 10 hectares of wetlands (e.g., floodplain, swamp, or marsh);
 Areas susceptible to erosion, landslides, or any other tectonic movements;
 Areas with unique, rare, endangered, or threatened plants and animal species;
 Areas of unique socio-cultural, archaeological, or scientific interest or areas with
potential tourist value;
 Polluted areas;
 Coastal areas (e.g., beach front and mangrove swamps);
 Areas declared as watershed reserves, sacred areas, or hot springs;
 Green belts, parks, or public open spaces in urban areas;
 Burial sites and graves, churches, mosques, or temples;
_______________________________________________________________________________ 16
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

 Indigenous territories and reserves;

 Areas occupied by vulnerable indigenous populations.

3.3.3. Road Categories and EIA requirements

As emphasised in section 3.2.3, the size (width and length) of road, the type of road (whether
asphalt, earth,..), the intention/ objectives of road (the kind of traffic for which it is being
designed) and the terrain and land use/ cover in the area where the road is to be constructed, are
all important factors that determine the level and depth of EIA. For purposes of EIA, road types
are categorised according to 2 sets of criteria as follows:

1. Using size and administration criteria, roads are generally categorised into the classes:

i) National roads – includes international highways connecting international traffic and national
roads connecting different parts of the country, usually from the centre (capital). These roads are
generally first class asphalt and may vary in distance and often form part of an international road
network or connect to other forms of international transport like airports and railway (when it
finally gets to Kigali). They are generally wider and part or, ideally all, of the distance is dual
carriage.
ii) Inter-district roads – connect two or more districts within a province. Under decentralisation,
the Ministry (MNINFRA) or Roads Agency, through the Provincial Administration, has
responsibility for this category of roads.
iii) District / Municipal roads – includes roads within a city, town/ municipality or district
established and serviced by the local authority. They may stretch anything up to 100 Km
connecting various areas within the district. They are often surface-covered by asphalt
(tarmacked) but currently include earth roads for most districts.
iv) Local roads – generally short distance earth roads and often not paved except perhaps city
lanes. They are often maintained by local authorities or community efforts, using simple
technology characterised by more manual than machinery; less technical design. Roads
constructed under the Labour Intensive Public Works Programme (HIMO) and the Community
service programme (popularly known as TIG) fall under this category.

2. Using nature of the road works and the conditions, roads are classified as per the following
table 1. It should be noted that these guidelines tend to focus more on typical national roads
which are the standard 1 for environmental assessment.

1
The intension here is that with national roads, everything that needs to be looked at in EIA is included.
_______________________________________________________________________________ 17
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

Table 1: Road project types and their EIA characteristics

Project category Description/ Characteristics and implications

for EIA
a) New New construction projects involve building a road section Opening new road involves
construction on a new alignment. Major land acquisition is needed. breaking new ground, changing
Examples include: land use and introducing heavy
 New roads; infrastructure where it never
 Bypasses; existed or resettling people.
 Realignments (changing the route).
b) Re- An upgrading project involves changing the road category Expanding an existing road;,
construction (e.g., from seasonal road to all-weather road, from upgrading single to dual carriage
and/or secondary to primary, or from gravel to paved). Land road, all may result in destruction
Upgrading acquisition is needed in most cases. Examples include: of housing hence relocation or
 Expanding or adding new lanes (e.g. from 2 to 4); resettlement; cutting down forests,
 Changing road surface (e.g., from gravel to paved or and attracting new traffic and
widening intersections). economic activity.
c) Improvements In this category, the road specifications are improved. Most
of the work is done on the existing platform or surfaces.
Additional land may be needed. Examples include:
 Widening lanes and shoulders; tarmac earth/ murram
roads;
 Adding extra lanes in steep inclines;
 Improving curves;
 Strengthening bridges.
d) Rehabilitation Road rehabilitation is a substantial intervention to
strengthen a road, repair structural defects, and/or restore
the road to its initial condition. It is often carried out after
the road has deteriorated to a non-maintainable state.
Rehabilitation sometimes includes changes or
improvements to previous characteristics/conditions. The
work is done on the existing platform/right of way. No
additional land is needed. Examples include:
 Improving drainage, slopes, embankments, and/or other
structures;
 Strengthening pavements;
 Complete resurfacing;
 Recuperating civil works.
e) Maintenance Maintenance work consists of routine or periodic works to
maintain the road in good working condition. This work is
done on the existing platform, for instance:
 Routine works: patching potholes and clearing drains;
 Periodic works: resurfacing, lane marking, and bridge
maintenance.

_______________________________________________________________________________ 18
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

Figure 3. The Screening Process for EIA for a Roads Project/ Scheme

Road Project Road Project

meets criteria of prepares EIS
nature & scale

REMA considers road Road Scheme meets Road Agency

may have significant criteria of nature & prepares EIS
environmental effects scale

Where a decision is
made whether a
Where Road Agency Informs REMA REMA does not proposed road
considers that road submits supporting concur with Road development would or
would not be likely to
may have significant report Agency have significant effects
environmental effects on the environment;

REMA or the road

authority shall have
regard to the criteria
Where road development is located on Road Agency (or for the purpose of
an environmental site or where a MININFRA) must Article 67 of Law No.
scheme could indirectly affect such a publish its decision 04/2005 regarding
site, the Road Agency SHALL decide EIA;
whether the scheme may have
significant environmental effects.

Significant effects No EIS required

not considered Implement
likely project

3. 4. Scoping (Environmental Impact Assessment - Phase 1)

The next stage, after screening and determining that a proposed road scheme should be subject to
the EIA process, is to decide on the scope and contents of the EIS. The Road sector legislations,
the Organic Law on Environment (No. 04/2005); the Organic Environment Law Legislation and
associated Regulations determine a core of key topics that must be covered as the minimum
information to be contained in an EIS. These minimum requirements are set out in section 3.3.2.
Each Environmental Impact Assessment is a unique interaction of the components of a specific
road scheme with a specific set of environmental factors and a unique receiving environment.
_______________________________________________________________________________ 19
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

Scoping is the process of specifying the content of an EIS. During scoping, the key issues
specific to a particular road project or a specific receiving environment, that are likely to be
significantly impacted during EIA, are identified, and those that are not are eliminated. The
process of scoping is examined in more detail in section 3.3.

The aim of scoping is to identify matters that should be covered in the EIS. The process of
scoping involves assessing a project’s possible impacts and the alternatives that could be
addressed, and deciding which impacts are significant. An initial scoping of possible impacts
may identify those impacts thought to be potentially significant, those thought to be not
significant and those where significance is unclear. Those considered to be not significant are
eliminated; those in the uncertain category are added to the initial category of other potentially
significant impacts.

For non-major-impact-projects, an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) is required i.e. if

the project:
 Is unlikely to involve setting up temporary infrastructure within the existing road reserve;
 Is unlikely to require any resettlement (within or outside of the road reserve);
 Is unlikely to affect any sensitive area e.g. a habitat of rare or threatened species;
 Is unlikely to require a new borrow-pit or other facilities (e.g., site camps);
 Is unlikely to create any important induced development.

The general information required to be included in the EIS is detailed in Annex 7. Based on this,
an EIS should contain descriptions of:

 the proposed road development comprising information on the site, design and size of the
proposed road development;
 the measures envisaged in order to avoid, reduce and, if possible, remedy significant
adverse effects on the environment;
 the data required to identify and assess the main effects which the proposed road
development is likely to have on the environment;
 the main alternatives studied by the road authority concerned and an indication of the
main reasons for its choice, taking into account the environmental effects;
 a summary in non-technical language of the above information.

Scoping builds on the minimum requirements, already identified, to determine the issues that are
relevant to the particular road project. All parties must be conscious of the need to keep the EIS
comprehensive and at the same time as tightly focused as possible. In this regard, the following 3
basic criteria may be useful guides to the scoping process:

_______________________________________________________________________________ 20
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

 Use precedence; avoid ‘re-inventing the wheel’. Where similar projects in similar
locations, e.g., in a specific type of habitat, have previously been the subject of a
satisfactory EIS then it is reasonable to use such reference for scoping;
 Use Likely and Significant as criteria for determining the range of impacts and thresholds
for data assembly respectively.
 Maintain the environmental focus. Note that EIA remains a techno-scientific process of
identifying and dealing with environmental issues.

3.5 Terms of References for EIA

The terms of reference (ToRs) shall be developed by the Roads Agency (or the Ministry
responsible for Infrastructure) and approved by the Authority before the EIA process
commences. The project brief submitted and any follow-up discussions may be the main basis
for modification, approval or rejection of the ToRs. The general format of the terms of reference
(ToRs) for a roads scheme is attached as Annex 3.

3.6 EIA Study

3.6.1 Basic Issues to be included in the Road Project EIA Study

The main issues to be assessed and described in the EIA of a typical road development project
are outlined as follows:

 Land planning/zoning and detailed location of the land affected by the road scheme;
 Status of the land where the road is proposed to pass (e.g., municipal area, national park
or reserve, private property), describe land ownership rights) and expropriation issues;
 Provide spatial information of the Road scheme, including, where possible, recent aerial
photographs and topographic maps.
 Technical specifications for the conception of the road and other road infrastructures
(e.g., road type, right-of-way, dimension, volume of traffic, and geometry of the road);
 Preliminary surveys, construction activities, and operation (e.g. deforestation, burning,
excavation, explosion, digging, filling, extraction of material, deviation and/ or crossing
of watercourse, drainage of watercourse, removal of top soil, soil compacting using
heavy equipment);
 Temporary infrastructure installations (e.g., access roads, retaining walls, temporary
deviation of a watercourse, temporary bridges and culverts, and material storage areas).
Include infrastructures such as temporary housing for construction staff;
 Excavation and filling (i.e., estimate the volume, origin, transport, storage and disposal
area of excavated material or fill);
 Surface and drainage water (i.e., collection, control, deviation, and confinement);
 Solid and liquid wastes (i.e., volume produced, and storage and disposal areas);
 Material required (i.e., quantity, characteristic, and access);
_______________________________________________________________________________ 21
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

 Maintenance and operation (i.e., layout of the right-of-way, landscape planning,

maintenance of the road reserve, installations, and infrastructure);
 Measures to reduce the use of resources (e.g., reduction at source, more efficient use, or
application of new technologies);
 Schedule for the construction activities including duration of the construction work (i.e.,
start date, end date, and work sequence);
 Employees required and daily work schedule based on construction program;
 Duration of the project and future development phases;
 Cost estimate of the project and the alternatives, including the maintenance costs.

3.6.2 Composition and Qualifications of the EIA Team of Experts

The type of expertise needed in the EIA team for roads project will vary with the location and
magnitude of the project but should in any case include:
 Civil Engineer, preferably with specialization in roads or highways design, traffic
management;
 Hydrogeologists, hydrologists and soil scientists
 Environmental Management Specialist with extensive experience in environmental
impact assessment, environmental legislation and hands-on knowledge of biodiversity,
land management and aquatic ecosystems;
 Transport and/ or Development Economists particularly those specialised in investment
analysis and/ or rural economy
 Sociologist or Social Anthropologist.

The selection of EIA experts should be guided by the team’s overall experience and/ or
reputation in EIA or related assignments; the appropriateness of the team (including balance of
professionals/ expertise, allocation of responsibilities), as well as the formal/ academic
qualifications including professional affiliation. For Architects, Engineers, Surveyors and
Accountants, professional certification or affiliation should be strongly considered for ethical
concerns.

3.7 The Environmental Management Plan

An EMP lays out the mitigation measures to address the environmental impacts identified and
time frame. The logic is that whenever a significant impact has been identified, the proponent
must describe how the impacts will be managed. Once approved, the EMP set out in this part
will be legally binding in terms of the National, international laws, regulations and ministerial
instructions on environment, resettlement and compensation. An EMP should be a realistic plan
of action that can be implementable, and not just an impressive set of ideas designed for
purposes of getting the EIA report passed. This report should be furnished with the Authority
(REMA); the district authorities where the road will pass/ be constructed; the Agency or
Authority responsible for Land registration and management; the Ministry of Finance and
_______________________________________________________________________________ 22
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

Economic Planning, especially the Directorate responsible for investments Coordination; and
other relevant stakeholders.

The main issues to consider in the EMP include the following:

1. Time frame (duration) and sequencing of mitigating activities: Every mitigation measure
in the EMP must have a specific plan and timeframe, and there must be logic in the way the
activities are sequenced. These dates are estimates and are dependant on the economic and social
conditions pertaining from time to time. There might be need for adjustments, which must be
agreed with the Authority and the Ministry or Agency responsible for Roads. The plan should
spell out the start and duration of construction period; proposed rehabilitation programme;
proposed dates for opening and use of road; and proposed operational programme;

2. Resettlement Plan and Compensation Procedures: Resettlement and Compensation: should

be completed before construction commences and the EMP should clearly show how it’s to be
done, which area of group of affected people will be resettled or compensated when. Major
impact and resettlement issues include:
 Displacement of people from an area;
 Loss of land, property, and businesses;
 Economic losses for affected individuals and families (e.g., loss of crops and economic
fruit trees) with a temporary or permanent loss of income for subsistence (e.g., loss of a
roadside location for an informal business);
 Equity issues (i.e., people with fewer resources and skills become more vulnerable);
 Social disruption and break-up of families due to displacement and relocation;
 Health problems and various forms of psychological depression;
 Loss of community benefits and social disintegration.

Compensation and/or resettlement shall be carried according to the Expropriation and

Compensation law N° 01/2007 of 20/01/2007, and the Organic Law on Land (2005), Organic
Law on Environment No 04/2005 and any other law relevant to compensation or resettlement
issues. The Constitution provides for property ownership rights in its articles 29 and 30. The
developer shall effect compensation or resettlement to affected parties in accordance with the
evaluation and verification of any claim within a specified period.

3. Responsibility for environmental restoration: The Road Agency must submit a

rehabilitation bond to the Authority before being cleared to excavate stone, rock, sand or soil
quarry site for purposes of construction. This is to guarantee that after the project has been
commissioned, the Road Agency (Contractor) fulfils the obligation to rehabilitate the area or
provide funding to that effect. This arrangement might, however, require subsidiary legislation
building on the Polluter Pays principle enshrined in the Organic Law No. 4/ 2005.

4. Financial provision: the EMP must include assurances that the Road Agency has made
sufficient financial provision (Budget) to implement the measures indicated in the EMP.

_______________________________________________________________________________ 23
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

3.8 Public Participation / Consultation Process

3.8.1 General considerations

Involving stakeholders through participatory direct or indirect consultations is central to

completion of the EIA. But for Roads, it’s a complicated activity because of the multiple
stakeholders involved often cutting across administrative boundaries (more than one district).
The EIA team should:
i. identify and list known interested and affected parties and their representatives. This may be
done in consultation with the relevant authorities;
ii. conduct public consultations with key stakeholders. These consultations should aim at:
a) disseminating project information to all the affected communities and interested parties,
updating them on progress made and eliciting their views on the project; and,
b) establish environmental issues of public concern from individual and group perspectives
as well as local and regional standpoints and beyond.

3.8.2 Precautions for public consultations

When planning or undertaking public consultation, the following should be considered:

i)_Undertake detailed stakeholder analysis – by visiting all places where the project is
planned; consulting experts and community leaders; analyzing project documentation
especially on likely road users and other beneficiaries; and structuring the stakeholders
according to interests and socioeconomic categories.
ii) Select a representative sample of each stakeholder group for consultation. EIA teams must
be careful to avoid “gate keepers” who purport to represent their group interests whereas they
are self-seekers. Sensitive EIA activities like compensation and re-settlement often go wrong
because of inadequate stakeholder representation;
iii) Ensure that public consultations are transparent because they are a form of public
accountability and participation in project development. In any case, the authority must
conduct public hearings to confirm the findings and whether the proposed mitigation measures
are satisfactory to affected parties.
iv) Roads Agency should provide details of the hearings and meetings with relevant
authorities, groups and individuals. It is obliged to respond to issues raised during the
meetings.
v) The authority has responsibility to review the quality and adequacy of the consultation
process. It should examine critically whether the Road Scheme followed the procedures and
ask the Road Agency leadership to provide information pertaining to the issues discussed;
concerns raised and responses/ feedback from the EIA team; as well as the Public Hearing
Panel’s observations.
_______________________________________________________________________________ 24
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

Public Hearings: the authority will hold public hearings in respect of the application and EIS
report in circumstances where:
 the project is likely to result in significant dislocation, relocation or resettlement of the
communities, or disruption of business;
 there is likely to be adverse public reaction to the commencement of the project;
 the Authority considers that the project could have extensive and far-reaching effects on
the environment, and the suggested mitigation measures may raise some questions;.

A Public hearing Panel may be appointed by the Authority to facilitate/ moderate/ guide the
public hearing process. The panel should:
i) be comprised of at least three-to-five eminent professionals, knowledgeable in the subject
matters of the project, with high integrity and a sense of judgment;
ii) be held close to the most affected areas, or at least one-third of the audience at the public
hearing should be residents or natives of the area where the project is planned;
iii) not be facilitated by people with vested interests. None of the panellists should have a
known stake in the project (e.g. residents, professionals in the ministry responsible or with
connections with contractors) to avoid any form of intended bias.

3.9 Post-EIA Monitoring and Audit

An environmental monitoring plan should include provisions made for on-site monitoring during
site preparation, construction and commissioning phases; future maintenance requirements; and
provision for audit during the operation of the project. It should provide a clear implementation
schedule for mitigation, which shall include: eenvironmental impacts identified; recommended
mitigation measures; objectives of the recommended measures and main concerns to address;
responsible party (who is accountable for implementing the proposed/approved measures);
location of the impacts and measures; appropriate implementation time and place of the
measures; standards to be achieved; responsible officer/party to provide feedback to the relevant
authorities; additional studies necessary to implement the EMP. Annex 8 presents a format of a
typical EMP.

_______________________________________________________________________________ 25
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

3.10 EIA Reporting

3.10.1 General outline of an EIA report

After the EIA study has been undertaken, a report is submitted detailing the profile of the
intended road scheme, the likely impacts and proposed mitigation measures. A general outline of
an EIA for a Road scheme is summarised below:

1. Title page: Include the project title; location of project; the names of the EIA experts;
submitting Agency/ Ministry; signatures and date of submission.
2. Executive Summary: Outline the key environmental impacts and the proposed mitigating
measures i.e. highlight the main findings and recommendations for the road project, while
emphasising issues of environmental and social impact and sustainability.
3. Project Description: Describe the project characteristics, including route and distance,
biophysical and socioeconomic characteristics; including land ownership and existing
infrastructure. Include technical plans showing the main and alternative routes; bridges, etc on
maps and photographs of specific points of the route.
4. Policy, Legal and Institutional framework: Discuss the policy, legal and institutional
framework regarding roads and the transport sector; the environment and social management
issues of the road scheme.
5. Baseline Data: Describe the existing environmental and social conditions that are relevant to
decision-making. The scope is the proposed road route and the entire area of road influence
determined by the local socio-economic circumstances. Provision of accurate data is important,
and should include maps, photographs, tables, graphs, etc. The EIA report should include:
 Data sources, data collection methodology, and site investigations;
 Result of site investigation in form of a geotechnical report (subsurface strata, water table
levels, results of soil percolation tests, trial pits,..);
 Information on the uncertainties and assumptions involved in interpreting or using results
for predictive methods and analytical techniques and a description of gaps in baseline and
other data used in EIA reporting.
 Baseline data on biophysical aspects (e.g. air quality, water quality, noise, ecological
resources and their conditions including species and habitats, and ecologically sensitive
areas, microclimate, hydrology / hydrogeology, management practices, etc);
 Baseline data on socioeconomic setting e.g. settlement patterns, presence of sacred sites,
tenure systems, community relations.
 Data gaps, constraints in data collection, and proposed remedial measures.

6. Impacts and risks: Analyse the direct and indirect environmental and social impacts and
risks, including benefits from housing development. It is essential to evaluate the quality of
available data and key data gaps, to establish the level of certainty of decision making.
_______________________________________________________________________________ 26
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

7. Analysis of Alternative routes and/ or other options to road development: provide a

summarised description and evaluation of the alternatives considered. This should include the
rationale for selecting the proposed alternative, and analytical description of its impacts.

8. Mitigation measures and Environmental Management Plan (EMP): Options and

recommendations to prevent, avoid, reduce, mitigate, eliminate, compensate for, or otherwise
address any adverse impacts of the selected alternative. This includes the schedule, assignment
of responsibility and budgets for the environmental and social impact management measures.

9. Capacity Building: Proposals for capacity building incorporated into the management plan
when (or where) institutional capacity is not sufficient.

3.10.2 Submission of Reports

As provided for under the EIA Regulations, and in accordance with the Rules of Disclosure for
information on EIA, the road Agency is required to submit both hard copy and soft copy versions
of the EIA report. The aim is to enable wider access to the EIA reports especially through web-
based communication. This information will be available on the web-sites of REMA and the
Ministry responsible for roads, in a format that is easily downloadable or otherwise user-friendly.
For hard copy submissions, the proponent or their EIA experts submit 3 hard copies of all reports
including annexes and appendices like maps, and technical drawings.
For soft copies, they should be submitted in electronic files preferably on a CD or in WinZip
format in floppy disks.

3.11 Approval or disapproval

The decision to approve or disapprove the Road Scheme will be based on whether the terms and
conditions of approval, pursuant to these and the General EIA Guidelines, are met. This implies
that the EIA reports submitted (as per revisions if required) are approved and the certificate of
approval is issued by the Authority.

_______________________________________________________________________________ 27
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

4. ANNEXES
Annex 1: Checklist for Environmental Screening for a Road Scheme/ Project

This checklist is designed to help users decide whether EIA is required based on the
characteristics of a project and its environment. Answer the questions using Y/N for Yes or No.

A. Brief description of the project:

(E.g. Expansion and Re-construction of Huye – Rusizi Road _

B. Project Category: B.1: New; B2. Existing (Modification/Expansion; C3 Existing (Modification/ No expansion)
C. Key screening questions Yes/No/ Is this project likely to result
Not sure in significant impact?
1. Will construction, operation or decommissioning of the project involve actions
which will cause physical changes in the locality (topography, land use, changes in
water bodies, etc.?
2. Will construction or operation of the road use or limit the use of scarce or non
renewable natural resources?
3. Will the construction or operation of the road involve use, storage, transport,
handling or production of harmful substances or raise concerns about actual or
perceived risks to human health?
4. Will the construction or operation of the road result in production of solid wastes?
At what stage (during construction, operation or decommissioning)?
5. Will the construction of road release pollutants or any hazardous, toxic, or
noxious substances to air?
6. Will the road cause noise and vibration or release of light, heat energy or
electromagnetic radiation?
7. Will the project lead to risks of contamination of land or water from releases of
pollutants onto the ground, surface waters, ground waters, lake or river?
8. Will there be any risk of accidents during construction or operation of the project
which could affect human health or the environment?
9. Will the road result in social changes e.g. demography, traditional lifestyles,
employment?
10. Are there any other factors that should be considered such as consequential
development that could lead to environmental effects or the potential for cumulative
impacts with other existing or planned activities in the locality?
11. Are there any areas on/around the location which are protected under
international or national or local legislation for the ecological, landscape, cultural or
other value, which could be affected by the project?
12. Are there any other areas on/around the location which are important or sensitive
for reasons of their ecology, e.g. wetlands, watercourses or other water bodies,
mountains, forests or woodlands, which could be affected by the Project?
13. Are there any areas on/around the location which are used by protected ,
important or sensitive species of fauna or flora e.g. for breeding, nesting, foraging,
resting, overwintering, migration, which could be affected by the project?
14. Are there any inland, marine, or underground waters on or around the location
which could be affected by the project?
15. Are there any areas or features of high landscape or scenic value on or around
the location which could be affected by the project?
16. Are there any routes or facilities on/around the location used by the public for
access to recreation or other facilities, which could be affected by the project?
_______________________________________________________________________________ 28
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

17. Are there any transport routes on/around the construction site or surrounding
area, which are susceptible to congestion or which cause environmental problems,
which could be affected by the project?
18. Is the project in a location where it is likely to be highly visible to many people?
19. Are there any areas or features of historic or cultural importance on or around
the location which could be affected by the project?
20. Is the project located in a previously underdeveloped area where there will be
loss of Greenfield land?
21.Are there existing land uses on/around the location e.g. homes, gardens, other
private property, industry, commerce, recreation, public open space, community
facilities, agriculture, forestry, tourism, mining or quarrying which could be affected
by the project?
22. Are there any plans for future land uses on/around the housing location which
could be affected by the project?
23. Are there any areas on/around the location which are densely populated or built-
up, which could be affected by the project?
24. Are there any areas on/around the location which are occupied by sensitive
activities or infrastructures e.g. health centres, schools, places of worship or other
community facilities, which could be affected by the project?
25. Are there any areas on/ around the location which contain important, high
quality or scarce resources e.g. ground water, surface waters, forestry, agriculture,
fisheries, tourism, minerals, which could be affected by the project?
26. Are there any areas on/around the location which are already subject to pollution
or environmental damage e.g. where existing legal environmental standards are
exceeded, which could be affected by the project?
27. Is the project location susceptible to erosion, earthquakes, subsidence, landslides,
flooding, or extreme or adverse climatic conditions e.g. temperature inversions, fog,
severe winds, which could result in environmental problems?

Summarise the Project characteristics justifying the need for EIA:

_______________________________________________________________________________ 29
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

Annex 2: Key Information to be included in the Project Brief

Key information that should appear in the project brief to be submitted to REMA, include:
a) Narrative of who initiated the proposed road project, what are the likely sources of funds
(whether conformed or not), the type of funding (whether local or foreign, grants or
credit), and the local contribution (including the beneficiary communities especially if a
local road);
b) The type/ category of road to be constructed (whether asphalt, earth road,..; whether
highway, national or local, inter-district road, access road,);
c) The activities or traffic it will serve – whether international, national, regional or local
(within district); and of what economic or social importance;
d) A description of the spatial dimensions including length (in Km), areas where it will pass
and which administrative units it passes through;
e) Where the materials for construction will be sourced from- e.g. excavation of materials
(soil/ earth, rock, tones, sand,..) from within what distance;
f) Names and addresses of owners of land or property thereof where the road will pass and/
or where construction materials will be extracted. Present a summary description of the
soil types and rock structure and grading in terms of suitability for road construction
(indicate whether this is based on laboratory analysis or expert opinion);
g) Numbers and if possible, Names and exact addresses of all parties who are likely to be
affected by the project and the scale of effect. Provide information about land tenure/
ownership of the area affected(including those with and without title deeds) and whether
public, institutional or individual private ownership;
h) Description of the biophysical characteristics (including all species of flora, fauna) and
legal status of the areas where the proposed road will be constructed. Indicate where
there are physical or natural barriers like escarpments, Rocky Mountains, rivers, natural
forests, permanent swamps. A map (may be a sketch not to exact scale) of the proposed
road and shade the areas likely to be affected;
i) Description of the social, cultural and economic activities of the areas where the
proposed road will be constructed or will pass (including cultural sites, social
investments like schools, human settlements, burial sites/ memorial grounds,..) economic
activities like markets, commercial centres, industries or large scale commercial farms
and/ or forest plantations; and other surface and aerial infrastructures like airfields,
electricity and telecommunication lines, water supply and/ or sewage pipes;
j) Projections of use (traffic volume) and estimated lifetime when the road will be
decommissioned or require re-construction;
k) Describe possible alternative sites/ routes considered for the same project and the
comparative scores in terms of economic and financial viability, technical feasibility,
social acceptability and/ ecological/ environmental sustainability;
l) Overview of the governance arrangements including local administrative structures,
policies strategies and plans of Government regarding land and natural resources
management, infrastructure development, urban and rural development, conflict
management;

_______________________________________________________________________________ 30
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

m) Opinions of local political and civic leaders if preliminary consultations have been made
or better still when and how the developer plans to do it;
n) For existing roads, the condition and history of the road including traffic and
developments already realized, level of service, geometry and structural state of the road
network, and road safety aspects (e.g. history of accidents) ;
o) Impacts of the proposed project on the traffic on the adjacent road network and on the
development of the region;
p) Full contacts of the person responsible for the project (on behalf of the proponent: This is
because EIA work involves decision making and accountability and there must be some
specific and known person (or designate) to be held accountable. A question arises as to
who should submit this brief for a public road. This question makes sense although
seemingly obvious because of the tendency for project “owners” i.e. public road agencies
to be in the background during the project design and construction, leaving most visible
work in the hand of contractors. Well, for Roads under Central Government, the Ministry
responsible for Roads should submit the brief) while for local government roads, it is the
District Department of Infrastructure or the Executive Secretary’s office.

_______________________________________________________________________________ 31
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

Annex 3: Sample ToRs for Road Development Projects

1. Introduction: State the purpose of the ToRs, identify the road scheme/ project to be assessed,
and explain the executing arrangements for the environmental assessment.

2. Background Information: Describe the pertinent background issues. This should include a
brief description of the major components of the proposed project, a statement of the need for the
project, the objectives it is intended to meet, the implementing agency, a brief history of the
project (including alternatives considered), its status and timetable, and a list any associated
projects. If there are other projects in progress or planned within the region that may compete for
the same resources, they should also be identified here.

3. Objectives: Summarize the general scope of the environmental assessment and discuss its
timing in relation to the project preparation, design, and execution processes.

4. Study Area: Specify the boundaries of the study area for the assessment (e.g., water
catchment area and land use), as well as any adjacent or remote areas that should be considered
with respect to specific impacts (temporary infrastructure). The project could have different
study areas corresponding to the level of impact.

5. Scope of Work: Define the tasks. In some cases, the tasks to be carried out by a consultant
will be known with sufficient certainty to be specified completely in the terms of reference. In
other cases, specialised field studies or modelling activities will need to be performed to assess
impacts. In that case, the consultant will define particular tasks in more detail after some period
of assessment and will submit the detailed scope of work to the contracting agency for approval
at a later date. Task 4 in the Scope of Work (below) is an example of the latter.

Task 1: Describe the Proposed Project: Provide a brief description of the relevant parts of the
project using maps of appropriate scale where necessary and include the following information:
 Project justification;
 Location; General layout, size, and capacity;
 Pre-construction activities;
 Construction activities;
 Schedule of activities;
 Staffing and support;
 Facilities and services;
 Operation and maintenance activities;
 Required offsite investments;
 Life span.
[Note: specify any other type of information relevant to the description of the project category.]

Task 2: Describe the Environment

Assemble, evaluate, and present baseline data on the relevant environmental characteristics of
the study area. Include information on any changes anticipated before the project commences.
_______________________________________________________________________________ 32
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

Modify the list below to show critical project information (e.g., information relevant to the
project category and other project-specific information). Avoid compiling irrelevant data. Present
environmental characteristics of the study area on a map to facilitate the understanding.

[a] Physical environment: geology; topography; soils; climate and meteorology;

ambient air quality; surface and groundwater hydrology; coastal and oceanic parameters; existing
sources of air emissions; existing water pollution discharges; and receiving water quality.

[b] Biological environment: flora; fauna; rare or endangered species; ecologically important
or sensitive habitats, including parks or reserves, and significant natural sites; species of
commercial importance; and species with potential to become nuisances, vectors, or dangerous
(of project site and potential area of influence of the project).

[c] Socio-cultural environment: population; land use; planned development activities;

community structure; employment; distribution of income, goods and services; recreation; public
health; cultural/ historic properties; tribal peoples; and customs, aspirations, and attitudes.

Task 3: Describe and analyse the legislative and regulatory framework and issues
Describe the pertinent regulations and standards at international, national, regional and local
levels that govern environmental quality, health and safety, protection of sensitive areas,
protection of endangered species, siting, and land use control. ToRs should specify those that are
known and should require the consultant to investigate for others.
Then review and analyse relevant laws, regulations and guidelines that govern the conduct of the
assessment or specify the content of the report, including international treaties, national laws
and/ or regulations and/ or guidelines on environmental reviews and impact assessments.

Task 4: Determination of the Potential Impacts of the Proposed Project

Distinguish between positive and negative impacts, direct and indirect impacts, and immediate
and long-term impacts. Identify impacts that are unavoidable or irreversible. Wherever possible,
describe impacts quantitatively, in terms of the affected environmental components (e.g., area,
number) and environmental costs and benefits. Assign economic values when feasible.
Characterise the extent and quality of available data, explaining significant information
deficiencies and any uncertainties associated with the predicted impacts. If possible, develop
ToRs to conduct research to obtain the missing information. Identify the types of special studies
likely to be needed for this project category.

The engineering plans should reflect "best practice" in alignment and construction to ensure that
potential negative environmental impacts are minimised (e.g., through measures to prevent soil
erosion risk, ensure proper drainage, and provide for waste disposal, landfill material, and used
oil.

Task 5: Analyse the Alternatives to the Proposed Project

Describe alternatives that were examined in the course of developing the proposed project and
identify other alternatives, which would achieve the same objectives. The concept of alternatives
extends to siting, design, technology selection, construction techniques and phasing, and
operating and maintenance procedures. Compare alternatives in terms of potential environmental

_______________________________________________________________________________ 33
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

impacts; capital and operating costs; suitability under local conditions; and institutional, training,
and monitoring requirements. When describing the impacts, indicate which are irreversible or
unavoidable and which can be mitigated. Try to quantify the costs and benefits of each
alternative, incorporating the estimated costs of any associated mitigating measures. Include the
'no project' alternative to demonstrate environmental conditions without the project.

Task 6: Develop the Management Plan to Mitigate Negative Impacts

The Environmental Management Plan focuses on three generic areas: mitigation measures,
institutional strengthening and training, and monitoring. The emphasis on each of these areas
depends on the context-specific project needs.

Mitigation of environmental impact: Recommend feasible and cost-effective measures to

prevent or reduce significant negative impacts to acceptable levels. Quantify the impacts and
estimate the costs of the mitigation measures. Consider compensation to affected parties for
impacts that 'cannot be mitigated. The plan should include proposed work programs, budget
estimates, schedules, staffing and training requirements, and other necessary support services to
implement the mitigation measures. Summarize the environmental impacts and mitigation
measures using a map at the same scale as that of the road design.

Institutional strengthening and training: Identify institutional needs to implement

environmental assessment recommendations. Review the authority and capability of institutions
at local, provincial, regional, and national levels and recommend how to strengthen the capacity
to implement the environmental management and monitoring plans. The recommendations may
cover such diverse topics as new laws and regulations, new agencies or agency functions, inter-
sectoral arrangements, management procedures, training, staffing, operation and maintenance
training, budgeting, and financial support,

Monitoring: Prepare detailed arrangements to monitor the implementation of mitigation

measures and the impacts of the project during construction and operation. Include in the plan an
estimate of capital and operating costs and a description of other required inputs (e.g., training
and institutional strengthening).

Task 7: Organise and facilitate public consultations, in accordance with the provisions of the
General EIA guidelines and other attendant legislation. Assist in Interagency

Task 8: Prepare the EIA Report: The EIA report should be concise and limited to significant
environmental issues. The main text should focus on findings, conclusions, and recommended
actions supported by summaries of the data collected and citations for any references used in
interpreting data. Detailed data should be presented in appendices or in a separate volume.

The EIA report according to the outline below:

 Executive Summary;
 Introduction
 Policy, Legal, and Administrative Framework;
 Description of the Proposed Project; "
 Description of the existing Environment;

_______________________________________________________________________________ 34
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

 Significant Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures;

 Analysis of the Alternatives;
 Emergency Plan;
 Environmental Management Plan (including Monitoring Plan);
 Conclusion and recommendation
 List of References;
 Appendices:
o Terms of reference;
o List of the EIA team;
o Records of Interagency and Public/ NGO Communications;
o Data and Unpublished Reference Documents.

8. Consulting Team: Identify the expertise to include on the EIA team. Environmental
assessment requires interdisciplinary analysis. Members of the team could consist of people with
the following specializations: rural sociology (in the case of rural roads); human geography;
and/or terrestrial ecology (e.g., wildlife, plant, and conservation ecology).

9. Other Information: List data sources, project background reports and studies, relevant
publications, and other items to which the consultant's attention should be directed.

_______________________________________________________________________________ 35
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

Annex 4: Checklist for Identification of Environmental Impacts

1. Resource use and socio-economic impacts

 Is the local population living a basically traditional lifestyle? If so, how will the road
affect people's use of local resources?
 Will the project affect resources (e.g., drinking and washing water, marine or land food,
fuel, medicines, building materials) that local people take from the natural environment?
 Will there be additional demands on local water supplies or other local resources as a
result of the project?
 Will the project restrict people's access to natural resources at any time before, during, or
after construction? If so, what plans are there to provide additional resources to meet
increased permanent and-temporary needs?
 Will the project affect downstream users of resources, especially water resources? If so,
how will those resources be protected?
 Are future natural-resource-use opportunities being cut off? If so, what compensation
will be offered?
 Will the project affect land or water use, or require leases, or changes in tenure?
 Will the project require resettlement of any residents?
 Will the project result in construction workers or other people moving into or having
access to the area? How many people? How will this affect the availability of local
resources?
 Will the project create jobs locally? If so, will this include work for local women?
 Will the project provide safe reliable transport to and from the work place and a safe
working environment?
 Can some project outputs be targeted to meet the needs of special groups in the
community (e.g., women, youths, old, or infirm people)?
 Is the area culturally or archaeologically sensitive? Are rock shelters or caves present? Is
the area named in stories? Is it a burial area?

2. Biophysical/ landscape impacts

 Is the local vegetation mainly forest, mangroves, swamp vegetation, or farmland?
 Will the immediate or 'downstream' effects of the project change the vegetation cover?
 Will the project affect important species, habitats, or ecosystems in the area? Is the area
environmentally sensitive or fragile? Check the list of environmentally sensitive
environments for Tanzania?
 Can construction areas be located away from sensitive ecosystems and on flat to very-
gently-sloping land?
 Are there areas of limestone karst or wetlands? If so, have special consideration been
given to their management?
 Will vegetation be removed or any surface left bare? If so, what will be the impact of
clearance? Will sediments be prevented from entering streams?
 Will the project affect coastal areas, wetlands, or swamps or have 'downstream' effects?
 Will slope or soil stability be affected by the project (e.g., by using heavy machinery)?
 Will a large land area or a high proportion of a community's land be affected?
_______________________________________________________________________________ 36
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

 Will quarries or borrow pits-be developed or operated under the project?

 Will the present landscape be altered (e.g., by rock or soil removal, spoil dumping, or
timber removal)?

3. For Roads cutting through or passing near forested areas

 Is the local vegetation mainly savannah, savannah woodland, tropical forest, tropical
rainforest, or mangrove forest?
 Are there important species, habitats, or ecosystems in the affected area (in the immediate
area or off site) or is the area environmentally sensitive or fragile? (Check the
environmental database if it is available.)
 Are forested areas used as locally-important hunting areas?
 Will vegetation be removed or any surface left bare? If so, what will be the impact of
clearance and how will sediments be prevented from burying vegetation, entering
streams, or reaching the shoreline?
 Can construction areas be located so as to avoid disturbing local habitats?
 Will the forest landscape be altered (e.g., by rock or soil removal, spoil dumping, or
timber removal)?

4. Impacts on water and air quality

 Will the project generate waste products (including increased sewage or solid wastes)?
Will waste products be disposed of locally? How will sewage be treated?
 How will solid waste be treated? How will rock or soil waste be treated? there site-
specific-erosion plans and sediment-control plans for the project area?
 Will the project or its waste disposal affect the quality of local streams or the
groundwater? What steps are planned to minimise sedimentation in streams and
contamination of groundwater?
 Will toxic chemicals (e.g., herbicides, tar, oils, paints, and other harzardous chemicals) be
used or disposed of along the route of road construction?
 Will hazardous substances (e.g., large quantities of fuels) be used or stored in the project
area? What plans are there to contain these substances? How will fuel, oil, or other
hazardous chemicals be delivered, transferred, and stored to prevent leaks from
contaminating the soil, streams or beaches?
 Will heavy machinery create dust or noise problems or reduce safety for pedestrians,
including children and old people? What plans are there to separate heavy machinery
from residential areas or to minimise these impacts?
 Will the batching areas (for concrete or bitumen) produce some waste and spillage? Will
these and other construction sites be contained while in use and cleaned and rehabilitated
after use?
 Will there be serious dust problems in settled areas during project operation? What
measures will be taken to reduce this impact?

5. Environmental health, natural hazards, and construction hazards

 Will there be a water logging problem at the site? What steps will be taken to control
disease vectors, especially mosquitoes?
 Is the environment naturally unstable (i.e., in an area prone to coastal erosion, within a
zone which would be affected by any rise in sea level, in an area of known earthquake or

_______________________________________________________________________________ 37
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

landslip activity, in an area prone to severe storms, floods, or droughts)? What plans are
there to protect the development against these natural hazards?
 Will the presence of the developments-cause- increased environmental damage should a
natural hazardous event occur? If so, what environmental protection measures will be
implemented?
 Are safety measures in place to protect the workforce? Do all workers have the necessary
safety clothing and equipment? Have workers been trained in the use of safety
equipment?
 Is there a contingency plan to deal with spills of hazardous chemicals (including oil
products) in the project area?
 Are fire-fighting and spill-clean-up materials / chemicals available for use at the site (e.g.,
water, sand, detergent, acid, or alkali)?
 Are measures being taken to ensure safety to road users after project completion (e.g.,
speed bumps and adequate road furniture)?
 For Bridge Projects
 In addition to the impacts that are associated with other infrastructure projects, there are
special issues to consider for bridges.

(a) For single span no-pile bridges

 Will bank vegetation, farmland, levee, or straight bank edges be disturbed? Identify bed
and bank sediments clearly (e.g., as predominantly clay, sand or gravel).
 Are sediments likely to enter the stream system? Identify control methods.
 Will there be a need for an access road or a temporary diversion? Consider the physical
impacts of these structures and propose methods of rehabilitation after use.
 Is there a risk of runoff draining onto farmland, resulting in flooding? If so, this should be
addressed in the design.
 Will containment structures block existing watercourses to farmland? If so, the design
should address this as well.
 Will there be temporary construction in or diversions of rivers? If so, all possible impacts
in terms of bank erosion, sediment accumulation, and subsequent disposal of materials
should be considered.
(b) For longer bridges with piling
 Will the bridge pilings cause turbulence, sediment movement, and deposition and
consequent bank and streambed erosion? This should be taken' into account in planning.
 Is there a risk of bank instability? For piles near riverbanks, there should be controls on
bank stability and an assessment of the upstream and downstream impacts of any
proposed river retention structures.
 Will there be any temporary construction works in the river, such as drilling and pile-
driving works? If so, what will be the impact of these works on flows and on potential
erosion? What steps will be taken to rehabilitate the river section when the works are
completed?
 Where are the sources of fill and concrete aggregate? These should also be assessed.
 Are there any issues of noise or safe pedestrian access across the bridge and along the
bank?
 What type of wastes will be generated? For construction areas, all wastes should be
controlled and contained (including sewage). Subsequently, the waste should be removed

_______________________________________________________________________________ 38
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

to an appropriate disposal site, and the site should be rehabilitated. Methods to deal with
any hazardous chemicals (including, fuel-and oils), the management of cement batching
plants (including their location), and methods to control noise, dust, and runoff should be
addressed.
 What is the main composition of the stream channel (i.e., clay, sand, or gravel)? If it is
sandy or gravely, describe methods that will be used to stabilise the bank at the
construction site. If it is clayey, explain the methods that will be used to prevent bank
erosion and .consequent downstream changes and explain the methods to minimise
sediment-induced turbidity.
 Are there habitat corridors along the riverbank that need to be protected? What methods
will be used to protect these ecosystems or habitats? What is the land- and water-use in
the immediate area? What resources of local or traditional importance will be affected by
the construction? What arrangements have or will be made with the local communities to
manage the impacts on these resources?

_______________________________________________________________________________ 39
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

Annex 5: Checklist of Environmental Management Activities for Each Phase of a

Road Scheme

PROJECT CYCLE PHASE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY

Conceptual & Pre-feasibility  Registering the project: describing and classifying the project
Phase  Initial site inspection visit and coordinating with project team members;
 Screening projects to identify salient environmental parameters of the proposed road
works and to assess the sensitivity of the receiving environment;
 Identifying alternatives to the proposed project;
 Scoping the environmental study;
 Developing terms of references for the EIA.

Feasibility Study/ Preliminary  Obtaining consulting, services for the Environmental Assessment (EIA);
Design Phase  Conducting and overseeing the EA;
 Analysing for significant environmental impacts;
 Conducting consultations with the public, as required;
 Incorporating results of the EIA into the project design and implementation process
through mitigation measures;
 Designing mitigation measures.
Detailed Design Phase  Incorporating results of the EIA into the project design and implementation process
through mitigation measures;
 Submitting the EIA to the regulatory agency for review and approval;
 Participating on the Technical Advisory Committee (EIA);
 Designing mitigation measures;
 Preparing a Resettlement Plan (RP), as needed;
 Preparing an Emergency Plan;
 Preparing an Environmental Management Plan (EMP);
 Preparing a Project Monitoring Program;
 Issuing the EIA certificate.
Contract Preparation and  Integrating environmental considerations in contractual specifications/ conditions to
Contract Tendering Phase implement environmental management procedures;
 Reviewing tenders;
 Performing an assessment of the institutional requirements of the EMP;
 Strengthening stakeholder institutional capabilities to perform environmental
management activities, as required.
Construction, Supervision,  Follow-up to ensure that mitigation measures, conditions and specifications
and Monitoring Phase are fully implemented during construction;
 Monitoring effectiveness of mitigation measures on particular environmental
impacts;
 Resolving problems as encountered.
Traffic Operation and Road  Evaluating and implementing remedial measures during road operation;
Maintenance Phase  Conducting consultation with key stakeholders;
 Incorporating lessons learned into future road project planning.

_______________________________________________________________________________ 40
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

Annex 6: Evaluation Matrix of Impacts for Different Alternatives

ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSICAL RESOURCES ECOLOGICAL HUMAN AND ECONOMIC QUALITY OF LIFE

RESOURCES RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT VALUES
PROJECT COMPONENTS Reference EIA Sections

Air Soil Water

Population and Communities

Transportation (navigation)
Surface Water Hydrology

Infrastructures Facilities
Erosion/ Sedimentation

Recreational resources
Agricultural Activities
Surface Water Quality

Transportation (roads)
Terrestrial Vegetation
Groundwater Quality

Endangered Species

Historical treasures
Tourism resources
Land use planning

Economic activity
Aquatic Biology

Aesthetic values

Cultural values
Public health
Soil Quality
Air Quality

Institutions
Industries

Fisheries
Fauna
Noise

Alternative 1

Alternative 2

Alternative 3 -- - l

NOTES:
a) Numerical value of 3 means MAJOR IMPACT, 2 INTERMEDIATE and 1 MINOR impact.
b) Numbers with NEGATIVE SIGN represent NEGATIVE impacts.
c) Numbers with POSITIVE SIGN represent POSITIVE impacts.
d) Numbers in PLUS and MINUS SIGNS represent combination of POSITIVE and NEGATIVE impacts.

_______________________________________________________________________________ 41
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
Annex 7: Key Content to be included in the EIA Report

The EIA report should include:

a) who the road will serve – which areas it connects? Does it connect to major city
or large administrative centre; major resource like industry or national park or
fishery?
b) Estimate of the total annual traffic volume for humans and goods (real or
monetary terms);
c) how the local population will benefit e.g. reduced costs and increased efficiency
in transport to social centres, increased access to market and information;
d) estimated total number of skilled and unskilled people employed in construction,
operation and maintenance of the road and annual indirect jobs (if possible
estimate total wages);
e) an estimate of the expenditure to get the project into operation;
f) an estimate of the total population displaced/ re-settled involuntarily and the
estimated impact on social stability, community bonding or cultural heritage;
g) an estimate of the total annual expenditure on operation and maintenance;
h) an estimate of the total annual costs incurred or suffered as a result of the road
(e.g. total number of accidents, incidences of floods or landslides attributed to the
roads, crime cases attributed to the road,..);
i) estimate of the multiplier effect on the local, regional and national economy;
j) estimate of political and socio-cultural returns such as regional integration,
reduced local conflicts, directly attributed to the road;

Alternative routes or options

In the EIA process, before an environmental management plan (EMP) is formulated,
the Road Agency and their EIA expert teams should have analysed a series of
alternatives and considered a few project alternatives and their likely impacts. This
should be carefully documented and presented. Alternatives in project development
use a series of permutations – which refer to a combination of factors. Such
alternatives are likely to include: site locations/ routes; land use options; size of roads
(breadth, length, surface thickness,..); types of construction materials; source of
construction materials; technology to be used in surveying, site preparation and/ or
construction; mode or tra nsportation of materials, personnel; housing sites; waste
disposal sites; types and/ or source of power, water, other utilities and/ or their
supply routes.

Each of these alternatives should be analysed and scored on pre-set criteria that
considers environmental sustainability in relation to other factors including economic
viability or benefits, technical feasibility and social/ cultural acceptability.
This is an important piece of information for decision makers because it educates or
guides policy makers on how to manage the balance between development and
environment.
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

Description of the environment

The logic here is that before the impacts of a project are estimated, there needs to be
thorough understanding of what exists in the pre-project situation. A detailed
inventory of biotic and abiotic environment and associated socioeconomic phenomena
is important. For road projects, the most important information required is
summarized in the proceeding sections:

Description of the Biophysical Environment

Describe the geology and geophysical characteristics:
o Geology and geological formations of the regions, district and project area,
and in sufficient detail the geological features – including geological
structures, formation and mineralogical characteristics- of the project area
right down to sites (routes where the road will pass);
o Surface material and bedrock characteristics of the proposed project area;
isolate and categorise overburden material that will be disturbed and which,
once disturbed, may adversely affect water quality in the area or
neighbourhood;
o Presence of sills and faults that cut across or extend through the planned
project area according to the plan/ technical drawings); and alternative route;

Climate: Climatic factors are important features in the planning, design and
construction of roads and influence the impact of road projects on the area. Detailed
information required includes:
 a brief and analytical description of the regional and local climate; where
possible give recent trends and projections. More specifically,
 mean monthly and annual rainfall for the site and number of days per month
with measurable precipitation. For accuracy purposes, indicate the nearest
weather station;
 maximum rainfall intensities per month – 60 min, 24 hrs, 24hrs/ 50yr and
24hrs/100 yr storm events for the previous 5-10 years;
 mean monthly, max and mini temperatures for the past 3-5 years;
 monthly mean wind direction and speed – where appropriate hourly wind
direction and speed, with the maximum one minute speed in each hour for the
past 3-5 years may be required. If this is hard to get for the specific area,
extrapolate from the nearby station;
 mean monthly evaporation for the previous 5 years;
 record of incidences of extreme weather conditions – e.g. hail, severe or
prolonged drought, high winds, volcanic eruptions or massive landslides,
extraordinary heavy rainfall or flooding, for the previous 5 years.

The data from the weather stations may be supplemented by collecting data from
communities using techniques such as historical profiling which documents historical
events. It is essential that precipitation, temperature and other climatic parameters be
presented in form of maps and showing comparisons with other areas of the country.

Topography: The most suitable representation of the topography is the topographical

map of the area. This should be current and to appropriate scale. A range of scales
_______________________________________________________________________________ 43
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

should be used depending on the size of the area to be mapped. Scales of 1: 10,000
and 1: 100,000 (for comparison with national level, may be appropriate. Surface
contours should be delineated to appropriate intervals and describe topographic
patterns and landforms with regard to parameters such as elevation, relief and aspect
(slope orientation/direction).
Soil characteristics: A description of the soil types to be disturbed by the road
project, their fertility, erodibility and depth should be provided and the soils should be
mapped according to a recognized soil classification system.

Land capability and land use before the road project

Land capability: Inventories and evaluations of land capabilities in the proposed area
(all land where expropriation is expected for purposes of the road project). For the
various land capabilities described, document the area and location of the capacity
classes to be disturbed by the project.

Land use within 100 Km (i.e. 50 Km on either side) of the proposed road. Please
attach the plan or technical drawings and the map:
 Pre-road design land use;
 Historical production of agriculture, forestry, mining, conservation;
 historical pattern of settlements (although these could appear in the
socioeconomic component – just describe the building structures as land
use/cover);
 any evidence of misuse e.g. overexploitation, extensive deforestation,
abandonment,..;
 existing structures;

Likely post-project land use capability: record any anticipation of land use change;

Ecology: the natural vegetation/ plant life within 100 Km (50 Km on either side) of
the proposed road area. Please, not the level of diversity. This should include:
dominant species; endangered, rare or threatened species; exotic or invasive species
and how they were introduced. Indicate the location and documentation of the area of
the various vegetation and forest types that is likely to be directly or indirectly
disturbed by the road project. It may be important to prepare and submit a vegetation
map for the pre-project area.

Wildlife resources: include parameters as species composition, distribution,

abundance; Rare, endangered or threatened species; migration route and staging
areas; Habitat evaluation, distribution and utilization; critical habitat; regional and
local significance of populations; Sensitivity to disturbance.
Document the type, location, quantity/ numbers and capability of habitat (carrying
capacity) that is likely to be disturbed or lost as a result of the project.

Water resources: All water catchment and water courses, streams, rivers and dams;
Pans; Position of the estimated maximum flood-line for the 1 in 50 year flood event;
Water rights and water use in the affected area. The scope should be up to the point
where the affected catchment discharges into the receiving water body. This
description should include:
_______________________________________________________________________________ 44
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

i) A map indicating the catchment boundaries, boundaries of the sub-catchment

occupied by the proposed road and the water course which would be followed
by water emanating or passing through or under the road or including other
water courses likely to be affected).
ii) The mean annual runoff from the catchment upstream, of the point of discharge
to the receiving water body and from the sub-catchment upstream (side) of the
road.
iii) Normal dry weather flow in the affected watercourse.
iv) Floods peaks and volumes for recurrence intervals of 1:20 and 1: 50 years and
the regional maximum flood.
v) For river diversions only.

In addition, an estimate of the contribution of the mean annual runoff normally

entering the river over the affected section and the total mean annual runoff entering
upstream of the proposed diversion.
Surface water quality: an analysis of surface water samples must be done in
sufficient detail the characterize the water quality in the affected water course(s);

Drainage density of areas to be disturbed/ affected: make a record in Kilometres of

drainage path per square Kilometre of land area.

Surface water use: identify who uses the surface water along the affected water
courses, down to the receiving water body, for what purpose and how much in cubic
metres per day.
Ground Water: information required includes:
 Depth of the water table(s);
 Presence of water boreholes and springs and their estimated yields;
 Ground water quality – the EIA experts must analyse water in boreholes and
springs in the affected zone so as to be able to characterise the water quality;
 Ground water use- identify, where possible, ground water and spring water
users in the study area and the quantities used;
 Ground water zone - Identify the groundwater zone which is likely to be
affected the construction or operation of the road. Its importance as national,
regional or international resource (e.g. where transboundary water resources
are affected) should be described. If available, maps at appropriate scales
should be provided indicating the ground water zone boundaries.
Stratigraphic sections, in sufficient detail to indicate the conceptual ground
water model, the nature and location of significant aquifers and aquacultures
and relevant physical properties, should be provided.

Where construction of bridges and roads is likely to result in river diversion, the EIA
report should provide an estimate of the contribution of the stream or river to ground
water recharge and an estimate of the contribution of ground water to surface water
over the diverted section.
Wetlands: information that should be documented include location of wetlands on,
along, around or in position to the road; the extent thereof and an indication of the
significance in terms of ecological functioning and socioeconomic services; the
biodiversity of the wetlands.

_______________________________________________________________________________ 45
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

Air Quality: A survey of the air quality and existing sources of air pollution in the
area should be made including fallout dust, suspended dust and gaseous emissions
(only if the project include a scheduled process as defined in the relevant provisions
of Environmental laws).
Noise and Vibration: Existing noise levels on and around the property should be
identified as well as potential noise impact sites. If the potential impacts warrant it,
pre-road construction noise levels may be required. Similar exercises should be done
for vibration.
Archaeological and Cultural Aspects: The EIA team needs to:
 conduct a baseline survey to identify and describe archaeological suites in the
study area;
 examine monuments and site records held by National Museums of Rwanda,
Monuments (in Huye and elsewhere), Art Galleries and other areas with custody
of historical records;
 document and provide sites of recognised archaeological and cultural interest
should be described and shown on a plan, which should could be provided.
Sensitive Landscapes and Protected Areas: Sensitive landscapes should be
described and if possible, should be indicated on the technical drawings and how they
will be protected. Indicate which ones have statutory protection (by local byelaws or
national legislation).
Visual Aspects: Describe the visibility of the project site from scenic views, tourist
routes and existing residential areas. This should include the visibility of dust and
other air-borne pollutants.
Local socioeconomic and cultural characteristics: Include, social and economic
infrastructure; people and their and cultures and norms; and the governance
features;
 population density, growth and location;
 unemployment estimate for the area
 housing- demand, availability
 Social infrastructure – schools, hospitals, sporting and recreational facilities,
shops, police, civil administration
 Water supply/ distribution, access and use
 Power supply
 Telecommunication lines/ use
 demographic and human settlement patterns
 describe old and current road networks, including closed roads and their
categories and when they were constructed and de-commissioned;

Description of the Project Alternatives

This section identifies potential alternatives and selects the most optimal
alternative(s). Multi-criteria analysis (MCA) may be used to identify, score and rank
alternatives in a feasibility study. The feasibility study phase of the project cycle is,
thus very important for environmental assessment. Analysis of alternatives very often
involves comparing impacts that are not easily quantifiable and/ or those that vary in
time and space. Some qualitative measures for analysing biophysical and socio-
economic parameters that represent visual or other forms of expressing relative
magnitudes may be used e.g., histograms that vary in size or relative scores. A
common method is weighting and ranking of the impacts (based on stakeholder

_______________________________________________________________________________ 46
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

perceptions) and then aggregate the resulting scores. Each alternative is then
compared on the basis of a single overall measure of impacts.

Proposed Activities and Developments at different levels

The proposed major surface infrastructure required for the road project should be
described briefly and illustrated clearly on a topographical map or technical drawings.
This should include:
1) Other infrastructure e.g. electric power lines, industries, housing, recreation
facilities;
2) Waterways, drainage systems (whether natural or man-made) and water
pollution management systems; pollution control dams, etc;
3) Industrial, municipal and other waste disposal sites (landfills, mine residue
disposal sites);
4) Production facilities such as mining plant (and direction of location, level and
machinery);
5) Sources of water, earth/ soil, stones, sand and other local materials; indicate how
pollution of existing natural water sources would be prevented and information
on water balance;
6) On-site project offices (administration) and workshops (Project ,
7) Disturbance of water courses: detail how the road layout will disturb the natural
water courses. Indicate measures for storm water diversion and how it will
protect the road and other infrastructure e.g. residential houses.

_______________________________________________________________________________ 47
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

Annex 8: Format of a typical EMP

An Emergency Plan describing any actions foreseen in case of accidents or

emergencies and mechanisms to sound the alarm should be included. This emergency
plan should, in general, include:
 A description of the different potential situations;
 Pertinent information in case of emergency (e.g. coordinates of the
responsible authorities, available equipment, and maps with prioritized
routes);
 The command structure in case of an emergency and the mode of
communication with the local or regional authorities;
 A list of priority actions in case of emergency (e.g., emergency calls,
 Deviation of the traffic, road signs, and methods of evacuation); Methods to
update and reassess the emergency measures.

Operational and Maintenance Phase: Operation here implies the period during
which the road is open to traffic. The EMP should describe how the significant
impacts, identified in construction phase, will be managed during the period when the
road is in use, including what will be done to manage the traffic when undertaking
minor repairs. The checklist below should provide the guide:
1.Geology of the area and surrounding parts.
2.Topography: here, a plan of anticipated post-road construction (during operational
phase) topography is required.
3.Soils: include depth of soil that will be used and how fertility and erosion will be
managed;
4.Land capability: indicate anticipated land capability during post-construction/
operational phase, and a plan to restore or improve land capability;
5.Land use: Include what type of land use is planned.
6.Natural vegetation/ plant life;
7.Animal life: For river diversions, the EIA team should emphasise how aquatic
fauna life will be maintained or restored;
8.Surface water: water is a known enemy/ destroyer of infrastructure and very
often construction work tends to divert or block natural water flow. Indicate the
strategies for managing the following:
i) water balance previously described in parts 3 and 4;
ii) storm water
iii) surface rehabilitation (in so far as this affects surface water);
iv) the legitimate requirements of surface water users on the affected
watercourse;
v) In the case of river of stream flow diversions, the EMP should indicate
how the significant impacts identified in parts 3 and 4 will be managed
paying particular attention to erosion control, structural stability and
surface drainage into and out of the diverted section.

9.Ground water: the EMP should: i) indicate the strategies to be undertaken for:

i) Optimising surface rehabilitation in order to minimise adverse groundwater

impacts;
_______________________________________________________________________________ 48
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

ii) Meeting the requirements of legitimate ground water users in the affected
zone.
iii) In case of river or stream diversions, the control of seepage into and out of
the diverted sections of the river or streams should be highlighted;

10. Air quality: Include an air pollution control plan if the assessment reveals
significant impacts on air quality at potential impact sites (e.g. where the road
passes through a busy commercial centre).

11. Noise: Include a noise reduction plan if significant impacts are expected at any
parts of the road (e.g. junctions), highways may require noise screen, etc.
12. Sensitive landscapes;
13. Visual aspects;
14. Regional socioeconomic structure
15. Who and where are interested and affected parties
16. Submission of information: The proponent will determine which information is
required by statutory instruments before submission.
17. Maintenance: some of the measures described in this part will require
maintenance after they have been implemented and up to the decommissioning
period. Again, this will be site-specific but the proponent should consider where
appropriate, the maintenance of at least the following:
a. Rehabilitated land by planting trees, stabilising vegetation on slopes and
exposed surfaces. Ensure that use of herbicides and other polluting
substances is prohibited.
b. Water pollution control structures - maintaining flow-speed-reduction
devices in drains, and remove waste materials;
c. Rehabilitated residue deposits;
d. Bridges and destroyed infrastructure along the road;

18. Climate- including temperature, precipitation, humidity;

In general, the most critical project elements to be monitored include:

 Implementation and effectiveness of erosion and sedimentation control

measures (e.g. re-planting of vegetation in disturbed areas or erodible areas);
 Water management issues (e.g., water logging, flooding, and drainage issues);
 Waste disposal issues (e.g., used oil, old tyres, and scrap metal, and the
management of liquid and solid wastes from construction camps);
 Management and reclamation of excavation pits and quarries;
 Social impacts (e.g., related to compensation issues, resource use conflicts,
and communicable diseases);
 Road safety (e.g., accidents and accident risks during construction);
 Occupational health and safety (e.g., the safe handling, and storage of
materials and safe operating procedures). Occupational health and safety risks
could be minimized by defining procedures for handling materials, conducting
tests, paving, operating heavy equipment, and constructing trenches.
 Timely maintenance to prevent/ minimize road degradation, flooding, road
accidents, traffic noise, and landscape degradation;

_______________________________________________________________________________ 49
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

Monitoring by the Authority and the Roads Agency during construction is important,
to ensure strict compliance with contract specifications. The construction site should
receive the most attention, but other sites and associated activities must also be
considered, such as: Source of water supply; Construction base camp; Quarry and
mineral extraction sites; Spoil deposit sites; Asphalt mixing plant and cement
batching plant; Construction traffic between all sites; and Occupational health and
safety.

Decommissioning phase: This part should briefly describe when and how the road
will be decommissioned. Every effort should be made during the life of the road to
minimise the cost and amount of work required in this phase. And for a particular
road project, what decommissioning means (is it complete and permanent closure;
temporary closure for reconstruction or part closure/ limited use for rehabilitation).
The proponent or their EIA experts should address the management of potentially
significant impacts identified in earlier project phases. The outline should include:
1) What are the closure objectives? In the rare situation, a road could be closed or
redesigned due to developments e.g. population density suddenly increases and
a highway is considered risky and unsuitable in an area. Indicate if this was/
wasn’t anticipated;
2) Infrastructures areas – demolition or disposal of structures, buildings and
bridges, removal of foundations and debris and rehabilitation of the surface
subject to the Environmental Law and other relevant legislations at the time.
3) Mines, oils and other material residues deposited in the area
4) Sealing of underground workings and rehabilitation of dangerous excavations
5) Rehabilitation of access roads, bridges, ramps, and restoration of water ways,
opening of barricades, etc.
6) Submission of information
7) Maintenance – of aspects of the decommissioned site requires maintenance up to
the time that closure is approved, these should be described as well.

_______________________________________________________________________________ 50
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

Annex 9. Key Institutions in EIA for Road Development Projects in

Rwanda

Institution/ Agency Key interests and responsibilities

1 Ministry of Infrastructures Formulating policies, laws and standards for roads development in the
(MININFRA) country. Is also responsible for national roads, highways and bridges and
overseeing local roads development.
2 Road Maintenance Fund Mobilising financing and technical resources for regular maintenance of
(Font d’Entretien Routier highways and other national roads. Ensuring that road infrastructures are
(FER)) maintained to the required standards through proper procurement.
3
Rwanda Transport Board Oversees the implementation of the transport policy, including
(RTB) management of roads; initiating public investment in transport services
like licensing of public transport service providers; rail, water and air
transport.
4
Ministry of Natural Formulating policies, laws and standards for land administration and
Resources (MINIRENA) land use planning; environmental protection and natural resources
utilisation. In roads development, a major responsibility is to
determine compensation and provide land for re-settlement of
displaced people.
5
Ministry of Local National policies and laws on decentralisation and local governance –
Government supervising local government authorities which are responsible for
(MINALOC). district, local and community roads.
6
Rwanda Environmental National authority responsible for environmental regulations and
Management Authority standards setting, and overseeing the implementation of EIA
(REMA) guidelines. REMA will also be responsible for mobilising, educating
and sensitising stakeholders to follow or participate in the
implementation of the EIA guidelines.
7
Ministry of Commerce, Policies and laws relating to licensing of commercial and industrial
Trade, Industry, activities including premises.
Cooperatives and
Tourism (MINICOM)
8
City Council of Kigali Responsible for design and implementation of all urban infrastructures
in the city, including inter-district roads; Providing and enforcing
guidelines for construction work within the city of of Kigali city.
9
District Local Districts are responsible for planning and execution of road
Governments construction and maintenance within the district,
10
Rwanda Bureau of Imposition of regulations and standards on public utilities associated
Standards (RBS) with housing/ building i.e. water, electricity, and telecommunications.
This includes the quality of service provision including tariff setting.
11
National Land Centre Land registration and land use planning throughout the country.
(NLC) Compensation and resettlement will depend on legal ownership.
12
Electrogaz National agency responsible for provision of water and electricity
utilities. In road development, Electrogaz’ major stake in roads
_______________________________________________________________________________ 51
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

development is servicing road construction with water and power. It

also has a major stake to reach its facilities.

Rwanda Investment and Investment advisory and support especially for construction
Export Promotion companies, but is also interested in roads a major infrastructure in
Agency (RIEPA) attracting investors.

Rwanda National Police The National police have statutory responsibility for law enforcement
including ensuring that road traffic laws are observed; and therefore all
roads are constructed in conform to appropriate legislations. They also
have to provide security to road construction facilities.

Private Sector Federation Mobilising and sensitising members involved in the construction and
real estate sector to appreciate and follow the Housing EIA guidelines.
13
Common Development Basket Fund for local development projects including roads, markets
Fund (CDF) and other infrastructures. It’s managed under the Ministry of Local
Government.

ASSETP (Public Works Planning, design and supervision of roads and other large scale
Contract Management infrastructures.
Agency)

PIGU, Projet World Bank-funded Project developing institutional capacity and

d’Infrastructure et de supporting physical investments in the planning and construction of
gestion urbain) urban roads and drainage infrastructure in Kigali city and other
selected urban areas. The project has, among others, provided some
training in SEA and EIA.

Travaux des Interets TIG refers to Community Work as Alternative to Imprisonment

General (TIG) Secretariat

Major Road Construction Service providers/ contractors who undertake actual construction and/
companies or deal in real estate. These are the direct implementers of the laws &
regulations/ guidelines relating housing EIA.
14
Civil society (including Civil society and interested private entities have advocacy roles to
Private sector & NGOs) ensure that all actors follow the housing EIA guidelines and other
building best practices.
15
International Financing Loan and grant financing for road construction. These have their own
Agencies (especially the EIA procedures and guidelines but they need to be compatible with
European Union, World national guidelines and regulations.
Bank & African
Development Bank)

_______________________________________________________________________________ 52
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009
 Sector Specific EIA Guidelines for Road Construction Projects
________________________________________________________________________________________

REFERENCES

1. REMA, November 2006, General Guidelines and Procedures for Environmental

Impact Assessment.
2. Ministry of Infrastructure, 2004. Energy Sector Strategy 2005 – 2010. Energy
Sector. April 2004.

3. MININFRA 2004a. Energy Policy for Rwanda. Draft. October 2004.

4. MINITERE, April 2003. National Strategy and Action Plan for the Conservation of
Biodiversity in Rwanda.

5. Ministry of Infrastructure, September 2008. Transport Sub-sector Strategic Plan for

Rwanda.

6. World Bank 2006. Environment and Social Development. Safe Guard

Dissemination Note No.2. Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations and
Strategic Environmental Assessment Requirements. Practices and Lessons Learned in
East and Southeast Asia. April 2006.
7. Republic of Botswana. 2003. Guidelines for Preparing Environmental Impact
Assessment Reports for Mining Projects. Department of Mines. Volume 1.
September 2003.
8. Ministry of Infrastructure, April 2009. Ministerial Instructions No. 02/UPPR/09
Regulating Excavations and Restoration of Public Infrastructure by
Communications and Infrastructure Service Providers Operating in Rwanda.

_______________________________________________________________________________ 53
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) August 2009