Notice of Determination

Ottawa – September 29, 2023 – Global Affairs Canada has determined that the proposed rehabilitation of 3 water supply extensions on pre-existing schemes in Northern Ethiopia is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

This determination was based on a consideration of the following factors:

• community knowledge;
• comments received from the public; and
• technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.

Mitigation measures taken into account for this determination are:

• Implementation of the water supply systems construction/rehabilitation strictly following the planning and design to minimize over extraction of ground water
• Avoidance of waste water accumulation through proper drainage systems around the water points and water distribution sites and awareness of the community on re-use of waste water for agricultural productions.
• Usage of approved quality of pipe materials and proper bedding for pipes to minimize the likelihood of leakages which lead to water loss, contamination and erosion near points of leakages.
• Proper management of pipe trench excavation and proper back fill or disposal of the soil. Excavated soil must be managed or disposed accordingly in order to avoid excessive runoff or turning into a potential host for vectors. The soil can be used locally, or transported to an off-site for other re-use (e.g. construction or landfill cover).
• Deployment of proper site selection for siting of sanitation facilities (latrines/toilets) to minimize the pollution of ground and surface water bodies. The latrines will be a minimum of 30 meters away from any water sources (surface water sources or extraction points),
• Wells heads for shallow and deep wells will be properly lined and sealed to avoid potential entry of contaminants through the well heads
• Usage of concrete bedding of the latrine pits to avoid the percolation of fecal contaminants and deployment of close supervision during construction.
• Considering of the need for environmental cleanness in the sanitation promotion campaigns
• Ensuring of proper disposal of WASH wastes. E.g sanitary pads
• Training the community and stakeholders on the proper storage and utilization of the chemicals (water treatment chemicals in accordance with their recommended dosage of applications (e.g. HTH chlorines and P &G Pure etc.) at the community and household level.

Global Affairs Canada is satisfied that that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Therefore, Global Affairs Canada may carry out the project, exercise any power, perform any duty or function, or provide financial assistance to enable the project to be carried out in whole or in part.