Malawi - Second National Water Development Project, additional financing : environmental and social management framework

The Second National Water Development Project, additional financing for Malawi will support improved water resources management and expanded water supply and sanitation services in cities, towns and market centers. Most of these activities will involve civil engineering and construction works. Environmental impacts would include: loss of forest resources; increase in soil erosion; loss of fragile ecosystem; soil and water contamination; siltation of water courses; and increased wastewater generation. Social impacts would include : loss of land for human settlement; loss of gardens, loss of crops and other property for the local communities; influx of people to project areas; incidences of communicable diseases and health hazards to workers; spread of sexually transmitted diseases including HIV and AIDS within the area and; disruption of living patterns of local villagers. Some of the recommendations and mitigation measures included in the environmental and social management framework (ESMF) document are : promote environmental awareness and education for key holders and affected communities; the ESMF should be regularly updated to respond to the changing local conditions and should incorporate lessons learnt from implementing the various components of the project; the city, town, and district assemblies will be assisted to develop appropriate information management systems to support the environmental management process; the assemblies should also be assisted with the necessary resources and equipment to be able to produce the screening documentation, such as check lists and environmental management and monitoring forms; the Environmental District Officer should be empowered to adequately administer the ESMF and should be given the necessary support and resources to ensure its effective implementation; it is also recommended to limit the use of moving vehicles for better control of dust and noise propagation; and finally, follow proper safety and health precautions and proper waste management measures throughout the implementation of the project.